
Qass. 

Book . £4 1 



\^bZ. 




HANDBOOK 



OP 



THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 



COMPILED BY 



H. CONWAY BELFIELD, 

British Resident of Selangor, 



LONDON : 
EDWARD STANFORD, 12-14, LONG ACRE, W.C. 



PRICE 2/6 







HANDBOOK 



OF 



THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 



COMPILED BY 



H. CONWAY BELFIELD, 

British Resident of Selangor. 



LONDON : 
EDWARD STANFORD, 12-14, LONG ACRE, W.C. 



PRICE 2/6. 



I desire to acknowledge my obligations to those friends and 
brother officers who have assisted me in the task of compilation 
by collecting and arranging material for my work. Their con- 
tributions have been of the greatest value to me, and have 
supplied the many interesting local details which form the most 
attractive features in the text of this Handbook. 



H. 0. B. 



Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 
May 1st, 1902. 



15 30 



30 



PART I. 



FEDERATED MALAY STATES. 



The Federated Malay States of the Malay Peninsula consist of 
the four States of Perak, Selangor, the Negri Sembilan, and 
Pahang. 

An Agreement was signed in July, 1895, by which these States 
were confederated for administrative purposes and a Eesident- 
Greneral appointed, with an official residence at Kuala Lumpur, 
Selangor. 

The following is the agreement : — 

Agreement between the Governor of the Straits Settlements, 
acting on behalf of the Grovernment of Her Majesty the Uueen, 
Empress of India, and the Rulers of the following Malay States ; 
— that is to say, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, and the Negri 
Sembilan. 

1. In confirmation of various previous Agreements, the Sultan 
of Perak, the Sultan of Selangor, the Sultan of Pahang, and the 
Chiefs of the States which form the territory known as the Negri 
Sembilan, hereby severally place themselves and their States under 
the protection of the Pritish Grovernment. 

2. The above-named Pulers and Chiefs of the respective States 
hereby agree to constitute their countries a Federation, to be 
known as the Protected Malay States, to be administered under 
the advice of the British Grovernment. 

3. It is to be understood that the arrangement hereby agreed 
upon does not imply that any one Ruler or Chief shall exercise 
any power or authority in respect of any State other than that 
which he now possesses in the State of which he is the recognised 
Ruler or Chief. 



2 Handbook of the 

4. The above-named Eulers agree to accept a British Officer, to 
be styled the Resident- General, as the agent and representative of 
the British Government under the Governor of the Straits Settle- 
ments. They undertake to provide him with suitable accommoda- 
tion, with such salary as is determined by Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment, and to follow his advice in all matters of administration 
other than those touching the Muhammadan religion. The 
appointment of the Resident-General will not affect the obliga- 
tions of the Malay rulers towards the British Residents now 
existing or to be hereafter appointed to offices in the above- 
mentioned Protected States. 

5. The above-named Rulers also agree to give to those States in 
the Federation which require it such assistance in men, money, or 
other respects as the British Government, through its duly 
appointed officers, may advise ; and they further undertake, should 
war break out between Her Majesty's Government and that of 
any other Power, to send, on the requisition of the Governor, a 
body of armed and equipped Indian troops for service in the 
Straits Settlements. 

6. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to curtail any of the 
powers or authority now held by any of the above-named Rulers 
in their respective States, nor does it alter the relations now 
existing between any of the States named and the British Empire. 



Federated Malay States, 



OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT 

High Commissioner : Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham, 

K.C.M.G. [Singapore] 
Secretary to the High Commissioner : Frederick J. Weld 

[Singapore] 

Headquarters: KUALA LUMPUR, SELANGOE. 

Resident General : William Hood Treacher, C.M.G. 

Secretary to the Resident General : Dacres H. Wise. 

Assistant Secretary : Oliver Marks. 

Judicial Commissioner : Lawrence Colvile Jackson, K.C. 

Legal Adviser : T. H. Kershaw. 

Commandant, Malay States Guides: Lt.-Col. H. S. Frowd 

Walker, C.M.G. 
Accountant and Auditor : Robert Douglas Hewett. 
Commissioner of Lands and Mines : Arthur T. D. Berrington. 
Director Public Works : Francis St. George Caulfeild. 
Commissioner of Police : Captain H. L. Talbot. 
General Manager Railways : Charles Edwin Spooner. 
Secretary for Chinese Affairs: G. T. Hare, C.M.G. 
Inspector of Prisons : Lt.-Col. R. S. Frowd Walker, C.M.G. 
Inspector of Schools : J. Driver. 
Pathologist : Dr. Hamilton Wright. 

Th.e Federated Malay States adjoin each other, and occupy 
an important portion of the peninsula, the three first-named 
States lying on the western side of the chain of mountains 
which forms the backbone of the peninsula, while Pahang is 
situated on the eastern side of the range, extending from 
thence to the shores of the China Sea. 

The total area of the four States is estimated at about Area 
27,000 square miles, extending from North Latitude 2.24 to 
6.10, and from East Longitude 100.23 to 103.60. 

The Malay Peninsula is a comparatively narrow strip of Physical 
land lying between the Straits of Malacca on the west (Geography. 
and the China Sea on the east, the Federated Malay States 
being situated in the central and broadest part of the 
peninsula. A range of mountains runs throughout almost 



Handbook of the 



its entire length, dividing the eastern from the western 
States. The height of the various points of the range varies 
from 3,000 to over 7,000 feet above sea-level. 

From this central chain the land slopes away to the sea- 
coast on either side, the whole being clothed by Nature, from 
the mountain summits to the sea-shore, with dense and 
luxuriant tropical forest consisting of a variety of grand 
timber trees, the majority of which are considerably over 
100 feet in height. 

The whole of the peninsula is well watered by innumerable 
streams, having their sources in the hills, and combining to 
form rivers which flow into the sea at regular intervals on 
either side. Some of these rivers are navigable for steamers 
of light draught for more than 50 miles from the sea. 

The combined coast line on the Straits of Malacca of the 
three western States of Perak, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan 
extends for 90 miles. That of the State of Pahang upon 
the China Sea is approximately 130 miles. 

Perak is the most northern of the Federated States upon 
the western side. On its southern boundary it meets Selangor, 
while the State of Negri Sembilan adjoins Selangor on the 
south. Pahang, on the eastern side, which is probably the 
largest of all the four States, adjoins all three of the western 
States on its inland boundary. 

The Federated States are bounded on the north and north- 
east by i^t portion of the Colony of the Straits Settlements 
known as Province Wellesley, and by Kedah, Patani, 
Kelantan, and Trengganu. 

On the south they are bounded by the Colonial territory of 
Malacca and by Johor. 

On the east and west by the China Sea and the Straits of 
Malacca respectively. 

The geological features of the States vary to a certain 
extent in different localities, but the following four principal 
formations are generally present : — 

(i.) Granite — of which the mountain ranges of the 
peninsula are composed ; 

(ii.) Large series of beds of gneiss, quartzite, schist, and 
sandstone, overlaid with crystalline limestone. 
The foot-hills of the mountain ranges consist for 
the most part of this Kmestone, much of which is 
marble of fine quality. 



Federated Malay States. 5 

These hills are generally cavernous, and in many instances 
the caves are of considerable size and beauty. 

(iii.) Small sheets of Trap rock. 

(iv.) Eiver gravels and alluvial deposits, overlaid with 
patches of peat on the lowlands near the coast. 

The following metals have been found in the different 
formations : — 

In the Grranite — Tin, lead, iron, arsenic, tungsten, 
titanium. 

In the Laurentian — Gold, silver, tin, lead, iron, arsenic, 
copper, zinc, tungsten, manganese, bismuth. 

In the Quaternary — Grold, tin, copper, tungsten, iron, 
titanium. Also other ores in smaller quantities. 

In the Alluvial — All the above-mentioned ores in 
varying quantities, in the more workable form of 
alluvial deposits. 

Numerous hot springs have been discovered in different JTot Springs. 
parts of the States, with degrees of temperature varying 
from 90° to 180° F. 

The water usually gives off an odour of sulphuretted 
hydrogen and has a bitter taste. 

Dissolved mineral matter is from one to four parts in ten 
thousand. 

Some of these springs are used as baths, with beneficial 
effect. 

The climate of the Federated Malay States, as of the Climate. 
neighbouring colony of the Straits Settlements, is tropical, 
but may be described as being oceanic rather than con- 
tinental. 

The distinguishing feature is the absence of local seasonal 
variations, or of any prolonged or marked epochs, whether of 
rain or drought, or of high or low temperatures. 

Although near the Equator, the heat, which is of a moist 
nature, is not usually felt to be oppressive, and having regard 
to their geographical position, the climate of the Federated 
States, as a whole, notwithstanding the continuous heat and 
the excessive humidity of the air, has been proved to be 
healthy for Europeans of sound constitution who lead regular 
and temperate lives. 

This is particularly the case in the larger towns. In low- 
lying and swampy parts, and on newly-opened lands, there 



6 



Handbook of the 



Teinperatiire. 



Rainfall. 



Popidation. 



is of course more risk to health, but no part of the States can 
be said to be unfit for Europeans to live in. 

Adult Europeans who take care of their health can, as a 
rule, remain in the States for at least four or five years with- 
out the necessity of a change, and children can, without 
prejudice to their health, be kept in the country until they 
are six years of age. 

The temperature varies considerably according to locality 
and elevation. 

In the lower and more populous parts of the States, with 
a height above the sea-level varying from fifty to five 
hundred feet, the shade temperature varies between 70° to 
90° F. 

It has been recorded below 70° and above 90°, but these 
occasions are rare. 

The average mean temperature in the shade may be said 
to be from 80° to 85° F. 

A great point about the temperature of the States is that 
the nights are always cool, and that it is therefore possible to 
obtain refreshing sleep without the assistance of punkahs or 
other auxiliaries. 

The temperature at night is about 70° to 75° F. 

There is httle or no change in the above figures at different 
times of the year. 

The rainfall is large, and is on the whole fairly evenly 
distributed throughout the year. In those parts of the States 
where a difference is noticeable the wettest period of the 
year is from September to March. The rainfall is always 
considerably heavier in localities near the hills than on the 
flat lands near the coast. 

The average rainfall in the hilly inland districts varies 
between 100 and 200 inches, while in the drier parts of the 
States it is usually recorded at from 70 to 100 inches per 
annum. 

The population of the Federated Malay States, as recorded 
by the returns of the Census taken on March 1st, 1901, 
numbers approximately six hundred and sixty-five thousand 
persons. Of the various races, those native to the peninsula 
are the Malays, and the Sakei, or aboriginal tribes, the latter 
of whom lead a wild and roving life in the primeval mountain 
jungles. 

The Malay is not industrious by nature, and does not 
compare favourably with other races in the capacity of a 



Federated Malay States. 7 

workman. His efforts are usually limited to rather desultory 
cultivation, to the collection of forest produce, and to fishing 
and hoating, in which he is most expert. He is always 
a sportsman, and will work harder and with more relish with 
that ohject in view than for the sake of enriching himself. 

Of the immigrant races in the States, the Chinese take the 
first place. They practically monopolise the whole of the 
tin-mining industry, they are found engaged in every con- 
ceivable trade and business, and are the mainstay of the 
commerce of the country. They far outnumber any other 
race in the States. 

Tamils from Southern India are also present in considerable 
numbers. A certain proportion of them are engaged in 
trade, but the large majority work as outdoor labourers on 
estates, roads, and railways. 

Other races represented in the States are Europeans, 
Bengalis, Singhalese, Javanese, Sikhs, and Pathans, and 
Malays from the various islands of the Eastern Archipelago. 

To those concerned with the advantages now offered, and mstory. 
with the conditions of life now obtaining in the Federated 
Malay States, the past history of the country is but of little 
account, and the merest outline of the events of former days 
will suffice for the purposes of this pamphlet. 

It is now some twenty-five years since internal dissensions 
among the Malays of Perak and Selangor compelled the 
Sultans of those States to seek the assistance of the British 
Glovernment in the neighbouring colony of the Straits 
Settlements in putting an end to increasing faction fights, 
and in inaugurating a system of efficient administration. 
The appeal of these chiefs was responded to by the appoint- 
ment of a British Resident in Perak and Selangor respec- 
tively, with instruction to advise the Sultan in the govern- 
ment of his State, and to organise an efficient system of 
revenue collection, with the assistance of a small staff of 
European and Eurasian officers, the Resident himself being 
subject to the authority of the Grovernor of the Straits 
Settlements. 

When initial difficulties had once been overcome, the new 
system resulted in unusual success. The States became 
peaceful, justice was everywhere obtainable at the hands 
of European Magistrates, the revenue, at first very small, 
rapidly increased, and countries which were but recently 
notorious for robbery on land and piracy at sea, became 
gradually known throughout the East as available centres 
for the development of profitable trade. 



8 Handbook of the 

The example set by Perak and Selangor was followed a 
few years later by the adjoining State of Negri Sembilan, 
and last of all, some ten years ago, by Pahang. 

Government. ^V ^^ ^^® 7^^^ 1896 each of the four States was indepen- 
dently administered, on behalf of its native ruler, by a 
British Resident and the usual staff of Grovernment Officers 
acting under the direction of the Grovernor of the Straits 
Settlements. 

In that year the chiefs of the States agreed by treaty to a 
system of mutual assistance for administrative purposes, and 
to the coalescence of the establishments of the four Grovern- 
ments into one Civil Service. The system thus agreed upon 
was at once inaugurated, and the administration of the States 
is now settled in the following form : Subject to the direc- 
tions of Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the 
Colonies the Grovernor of the Straits Settlements also holds 
office as High Commissioner of the Federated Malay States. 
The principal Civil Officer resident in the States is the 
Resident-Greneral, in whom is vested the direction of affairs 
in all the States. He is assisted by a staff of Federal 
Officers, to whose hands is entrusted the supervision of the 
principal departments of the four States, such as those of 
Finance, Lands, Mines, Public Works, Railways, Police, 
Prisons, and Education. 

The Federal Staff also includes the Judicial Commis- 
sioner, in whom is vested the supreme judicial authority, 
the Legal Adviser, the Commandant of the Regiment of 
the Malay States Gruides, the Protector of Chinese, the 
Pathologist, and the Superintendent of the Government 
Experimental Gardens. 

Subject to the direction of the Resident-General and the 
supervision of the Federal Officers, each State continues, as 
heretofore, to be administered by its own Resident upon 
nearly the same lines as was formerly the case. The revenue 
of each State is separately collected, and the expenditure is 
met therefrom so far as is possible. Where the revenue of any 
State is not yet sufficiently large to enable it to entirely 
defray the cost of its own development, pecuniary assistance 
is rendered by those in more prosperous circumstances. 

The ranks of the Civil Service are recruited by the 
appointment of Cadets after examinations in England, held 
annually about the month of August. These examinations 
are conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners, and are 
held conjointly with those for appointments in the Home, 
Indian and Eastern Colonial Services. 



Federated Malay States. 



All Cadets are required to pass an examination in Malay, 
Chinese or Tamil, and also an examination in law, after a 
prescribed period of residence in the State. Those who are 
instructed to study Chinese or Tamil are sent for the purpose 
to China or to India as the case may be. 

The selection of Officers possessed of professional qualifica- 
tions rests with the Secretary of State for the Colonies. 

Laws are passed in each State by the State Council, of Legislation. 
which the ruler of the State is the President, and the 
members are the British Resident, the Secretary to Govern- 
ment, where such an appointment exists, the principal Malaj' 
Rajas, and one or more of the most influential Chinese 
traders. All legislative enactments are submitted to the 
High Commissioner and the Secretary of State. 

The Police Force is composed of Indians and Malays, and Police. 
is officered by Englishmen. 

The Military Force of the States consists of a battalion of Regiment of 
Sikhs and Pathans, known as the Malay States Gruides, ^'''^''' 
to which is attached an artillery corps armed with field 
guns. 

Appointments in the Gruides are filled by officers generally 
seconded for that purpose from Her Majesty's regiments. A 
knowledge of Hindustani is considered essential. 

The total revenue of the States in the year 1899 was Revenue. 
$14,733,001, and in 1900, $15,609,808. 

The principal collections appear under the headings of 
Customs, Excise, Railways, and Land Revenue. 

The expenditure for the same periods was $11,521,977, and Expenditure. 

$12,728,931. 

The excess expenditure included expenditure on new 
Railways. 

The following trade values were recorded in 1899 and Trade. 
1900 :— 



Imports 
Exports 



1899. 



1900. 



33,765,073 
.54,895,139 



38,402,580 
60,361,044 



10 Handbook of the 

Imports. — The only import duties charged in the Federated 
States are those upon opium and spirituous liquors. 

Exports. — The principal export is tin, the duty on which 
is fixed hy a sliding scale varying with the current market 
price of the metal. 

This scale ranges from $10.50 per bhara of three pikuls 
when tin is at $32 to $15 per bhara when tin is at $44 per 
pikul, and thereafter an additional fifty cents per bhara is 
added for each dollar per pikul that the metal increases in 
value above $44. 

The duty which varies from about 11 to 14 per cent ad 
valorem, is reckoned on the price telegraphed daily from 
Singapore. 

One pikul = 1331 lbs. 

One bhara = 400 lbs. 

The duty on unsmelted tin ore is 68 per cent, of the duty 
on tin for the time being. 

On gold and other minerals there is charged an export 
duty of 10 per cent, ad valorem. 

The export duty upon other natural products, such as 
timber, rattans, gutta, and ivory, is also 10 per cent, ad 
valorem. 

Upon cultivated products, such as coffee, pepper, copra, 
sugar, tapioca, and rubber, the maximum duty charged is 
2J per cent, ad valorem. It is usually less than this figure. 

No export duty is charged upon coffee when the market 
price is less than $19 per pikul. 

Currency. The unit of currency in the Federated Malay States is 

the Mexican dollar ($). 

The following are legal tender to any amount. 

(i.) Currency notes issued by the Grovernment of the 
Straits Settlements of the respective values of 

$5, $10, $25, $50, and $100 ; 

(ii.) Notes issued by the local banks. 

(iii.) The Mexican and British silver dollar. 

The following coins are also used : — 

Silver coins subsidiary to the dollar, and of the respective 
values of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents of a dollar, and 

copper coins, of the value of one cent of a dollar, and 
half cect of a dollar. 



Federated Malay States. 11 

So many erroneous impressions are prevalent in England ^xchmge 
regarding the value of the dollar in English money, that the 
public are cautioned to satisfy themselves regarding this 
important matter before deciding to accept employment or 
to invest money in business in the Federated States. The 
rate of exchange, that is, the value of the dollar if exchanged 
for English money, varies daily according to the ruling 
market price of silver. The actual value at any given date 
can always be ascertained on inquiry at any London bank 
doing business with the far East, and is also pubhshed in the 
principal daily papers. The rate of exchange at the time of 
writing varies between Is. IVd. and 2s. to the dollar. A 
sovereign is equal to about $ J 0.25. 

It should, moreover, be borne in mind that when articles 
of European production or manufacture are purchased 
locally, the purchasing power of the dollar is seldom if ever 
equal to that of its equivalent in sterling for the time being. 
That is to say, that if the value of the dollar is two shillings 
according to exchange rates, an article which can be pur- 
chased for two shilhngs at home will, nevertheless, cost 
more than one dollar in the Malay Peninsula. 

The Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and China, whose Banks. 
London office is in Hatton Court, E.C., has two branches 
in the Federated States, one in Perak and the other in 
Selangor. 

The bank undertakes all kinds of banking and exchange 
business, grants drafts on its various branches, purchases 
and receives for collection biUs of exchange, issues letters 
of credit, and discounts local bills. 

In the colonial towns of Singapore and Penang, each of 

which is within one day's journey of some part of the 

Federated States, there are the following banks with which 
business may be done : — 

The Chartered Bank of India, Austraha, and China ; 

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank ; 

The Mercantile Bank. 

Savings banks managed and guaranteed by the Govern- Savings hayiks. 
ment, have been established in the Federated States. 
Deposits of from one dollar to five hundred dollars are 
received, and interest is paid thereon at the rate of three 
per cent. 

Passengers for the Federated Malay States book their Passengers and 
passages either to Penang or Singapore, from which ports Z^^^*- 



12 Handbook of the 

they are conveyed to their destination by local steamers, 
which run almost daily. 

A complete table of the lines of steamships which carry 
passengers to the Malay Peninsula, together with all par- 
ticulars regarding dates of sailing, ports of departure, cost 
of passages, and other information useful to travellers, will 
be found in Appendix A. 

As al] articles of clothing can if necessary be procured in 
the Malay Peninsula, the new arrival wiJl do well not to 
encumber himself with an extensive wardrobe until he has 
learnt by experience in the States what articles of clothing 
are best suited to his needs. 

Tweeds and other suitings of the texture usually worn in 
England are too thick to be supportable in this climate, and 
must be discarded except for use on the voyage out and 
home. The most useful suitings are those of thin flannel 
and serge. A dress suit and a supply of white shirts should 
be taken, but neither frock coat nor morning coat will be 
required. 

The most useful articles in the outfit will be a good supply 
of thin flannel underclothing and flannel shirts. These should 
be purchased at home, as the cost is half that for which they 
are obtainable locally. 

The garments most usually worn in the daytime consist 
of a white drill suit for office work, and a khaki suit for out- 
door duties. These should always be purchased locally, 
where they are cheap. The prices charged in England for 
such articles are prohibitive. 

The following head-gear is recommended : — 

A pith hat, with wide brim (not a helmet). 

A soft felt hat with broad brim and a puggaree, of the 
description known as the "Double Terai." 

A straw hat and a couple of caps. 

Do not bring more boots than can be kept in use, as 
leather quickly goes to pieces in this climate, and do not 
bring boots with very heavy soles, nor " Field " boots. They 
will never be worn. 

If addicted to outdoor exercise, do not forget white 
flannels, flannel coat, and half a dozen pairs of hand-knit 
knickerbocker stockings. 

Choose steel trunks in preference to leather portmanteaus 
and bags. Leather goods soon deteriorate, and are moreover 
not always proof against a deluge of tropical rain. 



Federated Malay States. 13 

Hints as to sporting requisites will be found later on under 
the heading of " Sports." 

The best time to arrive is during the continuance of the Time to 
north-eastern monsoon, when tlie weather is wetter and ^''''*^^' 
rather cooler than at other times. That is, between the 
months of September and the following April. During this 
period also the passage through the Indian Ocean is usually 
calm. October, November, and December are the best 
months to arrive in. March and April are the best months 
in which to start on the homeward voyage. 

Adult Europeans should not come out to the Federated Hints to new 
States before they are twenty years of age, and should make «>"''*^«^«- 
up their minds to conform from the first to the cardinal rules 
for the preservation of health. 

These may be shortly summed up as follows : — 

Gro to bed and get up early. 

Avoid all excesses in eating and drinking. 

Never go out between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. 
without wearing a sun hat. 

When possible, always wear flannel next to the skin. 

Take exercise regularly and moderately, but not to excess, 
if avoidable. 

Change clothes as soon as possible after exercise. 

Avoid bathing in the middle of the day, or more than 
twice a day. In the evening, and after exercise, a warm 
bath is better than a cold one. 

If doubtful about the purity of drinking water, always see 
for yourself that it is boiled, and do not take the servant's 
word for it. Filtering is often insufficient. 

When travelling, drink as little as possible during the 
heat of the day, and always avoid roadside streams. The 
water of a young coconut is the best on these occasions, if 
obtainable. 

With ordinary care the European may successfully avoid Diseases, 
serious disease, and may live comfortably and healthily 
without inconvenient restraint. Malarial fever is not un- 
common, but it is not usually of a severe type, and is 
amenable to timely treatment by simple remedies. 

Typhoid fever occurs occasionally, but other forms of 
serious fever are practically unknown. Bowel complaints, 
such as diarrhoea and dysentery, are of frequent occurrence, 
2 



14 Handbook of the 

but can usually be avoided by careful living. When such 
do occur they should be taken in hand at once by medicinal 
treatment, dieting, and rest. 

Cholera among Europeans is hardly known, diseases of the 
kidneys are very rare, and for all sorts of rheumatic affec- 
tions the climate is distinctly favourable. 

Diseases of the lungs are rare as originating in the country, 
but the climate is very unfavourable for consumptive cases. 

The diseases of childhood are rare. 

Measles and chicken-pox are the only fevers that are at all 
frequently met with. Scarlet fever and whooping cough are 
unknown. 

There are inward and outward mails between Europe and 
Singapore once every week, carried alternately by the 
P. and 0. and the Messageries Maritimes Steamship lines. 

Mails are also sent and received once every fortnight by 
the North Grerman Lloyd Steamship line, and by the Trans- 
Indian route. 

The duration of transit of letters to and from England and 
the Federated States is about 25 days. The postage on letters 
addressed to countries within the Imperial Postal Union is 
4 cents per half ounce. To other countries it is 8 cents 
per half ounce. 

Letters addressed to places within the Federated States 
and the Colony of the Straits Settlements are received and 
delivered daily. 

The time occupied in transit seldom exceeds two days. 
The postage on all such letters is 3 cents per half ounce. 

Parcels by parcels post take as a rule from seven to four- 
teen days longer in transit than letters to and from Europe. 

The parcels rates are : — 
For British dependencies — 

Under 3 lbs ... 65 cents. 

„ 7 lbs $L30 

„ 11 lbs $1.95 

For other countries about double these rates. 

For local transmission to places in the Colony of the Straits 
Settlements and the Federated Malay States the parcels rates 
are :- — 

Under 3 lbs 20 cents. 

„ Tibs 40 „ 

„ 11 lbs 60 „ 



Federated Malay States. 



15 



The charge on post cards is one cent for local cards and 
three cents for cards to other countries. 

Registration is undertaken at all the principal post offices 
of the Federated States. The charge for all countries is five 
cents. 

Money orders are also issued at the principal post offices. 
Those for local transmission and for China, Japan, &c., are 
issued in local currency. Those for other countries are 
issued in sterling through Singapore. 

Commission on money orders is as follows : — 

Local ... ... ... 1 per cent of value. 

East of Singapore . . . 2J „ „ 

India and Ceylon ... 2 „ „ 

Other countries ... ... 3 



A complete and efficient system of telegraphic communi- 
cation is maintained throughout the Federated Malay States, 
and between the States and the Colony of the Straits Settle- 
ments and other countries. All messages to other countries 
are transmitted over the cables of the Eastern Extension 
Telegraph Company, while local communication is effected 
by Government Telegraph lines. 

Telegraph rates are, per word : — 



To Europe 


$2.28 


To India 


98 cents 


To Singapore . . . 


13 „ 


Local, ordinary. . . 


3 „ 


„ urgent ... 


9 „ 


„ deferred ... 


1* „ 



A telephone exchange is maintained in Selangor — rate, $3 Telephones. 
per month up to one mile, with varying rates beyond. 

There is also telephonic communication with most of the 
police stations, and lines to different Glovernment institutions, 
sanitaria, and offices. 



The principal ports in the Federated States are Port Weld Ports and 
and Teluk Anson in Perak, Port Swettenham in Selangor, Sarhours. 
Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, and Pekan in Pahang. 

With the exception of the last-named, all these ports are 
visited daily by steamers from Penang and Singapore, and 
are all furnished with efficient wharf accommodation and 



16 



Handbook of the 



connected by railway with the principal towns of the States 
in which they are situated. 

Religion. The Ohurch of England, the Eoman Catholic Church, and 

various denominations of the Methodist Church, principal 
among which is the Methodist Episcopal Mission, are all 
represented in the Federated States. 

There is an English chaplain at headquarters in Perak and 
Selangor, and the States are annually visited by the Lord 
Bishop of the Diocese. 

Eoman Catholic churches in charge of the priests of the 
French mission are established in the principal towns in 
Perak, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan. 

Education. In addition to the numerous G-overnment vernacular schools 

which are to be found in almost every town and village of 
the Federated States, English schools both for boys and 
girls are maintained in Perak, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan, 
in some of which, particularly the Yictoria Institution in 
Selangor, the Central School at Taiping, Perak, and the 
Anglo-Chinese School at Ipoh, Perak, a staff of qualified 
Enghsh masters offers every opportunity for acquiring a 
sound education in all the subjects usually taught in English 
schools. 

A comprehensive education code is in force in the States, 
and all schools are either entirely maintained by Government 
or assisted by grants-in-aid. 

Hospitals. The Government has devoted much care to the estabhsh- 

ment of efficient hospitals in all districts, and to the engage- 
ment of a full staff of qualified medical men from the United 
Kingdom, all of whom are in Government employ and are 
also permitted to undertake private practice. Their number 
at present is fourteen. 

Comfortable wards for the reception of European patients 
are attached to the hospitals in the larger towns. Patients 
are there attended by a resident medical officer and the 
Government nurse matron. 

A nursing association has been established in Perak and 
Selangor, which employs qualified English nurses to attend 
on patients in their own homes. 

Inland com- Means of inland communication throughout the three 

mmications. Western States is already very good, and it is being yet 

further improved. Travelling both by railway and road has 

been made as easy as the nature of the country and the 



Federated Malay States. 17 

climate will permit, by a large expenditure of Government 
money in bringing these works to a high standard. 

All railways in the Federated Malay States are of metre Uailways 
gauge.' The first section of line was opened in Perak in 
1884, since which time a large portion of the annually 
increasing revenue of the States has been regularly expended 
in further construction. 

All railways have been constructed by, are the property 
of, and are managed by the Government, with the exception 
of the line in Negri Sembilan connecting the port with the 
principal town, which is the property of a private company. 

A hue 23 miles in length has been constructed by the 
Perak Railway Department, and is now open for traffic 
through the colonial territory of Province Wellesley from 
the Perak northern terminus on the boundary to a point on 
the mainland opposite the port of Penang, with which it is 
connected by a steam ferry service. 

The mileage of railway now open, to traffic is : — 

In Perak and Province Wellesley 1351 miles. 



Selangor ... ... ... 97^ 

Negri Sembilan ... ... 25 



Total 257| 



Further construction is now being rapidly pushed on, with 
the object of connecting up the lines of the three States and 
forming one continuous trunk line. 

The additional sections thus under construction are : — 

(i.) 34 J miles in two separate lengths of 15 J and 19 
miles, to connect sections of line now open in 
Perak. 

(ii.) 45 miles, to connect the present Perak Railway 
system with the Selangor boundary. 

(iii.) 29 miles, to connect the southern terminus of the 
Selangor system with the chief town of Negri 
Sembilan and with the inland terminus of the 
existing Negri Sembilan Railway. 

The first two sections, aggregating 79 J miles, are being 
constructed by the officers of the Perak Railway Department, 
and the last section, by the staff of the Selangor Railway. 

Total mileage of construction in hand is 108J miles. 



18 . Handbook of the 

It is expected that these works will be completed in about 
two years' time, when the railway system of the Federated 
Malay States will consist of a Trunk line about 292 miles 
in length, having its northern terminus on the mainland 
adjoining the harbour of Penang, and thence running south, 
through the principal towns of the Western States, to Port 
Dickson on the sea-coast, not far from the colonial territory 
of Malacca. 

From the Trunk line three branches will diverge at 
intervals to harbours on the western coast, the first from 
Taiping in Perak to Port Weld, the second from Tapah to 
Teluk Anson in the southern portion of the same State, and 
the third from Kuala Lumpur to Port Swettenham in 
Selangor. 

The main line can at any future time be carried further 
down the peninsula, proceeding southwards from Seremban, 
the chief town of Negri Sembilan. Should further exten- 
sion be thus undertaken, the present line from that town to 
the harbour of Port Dickson will become a fourth branch 
line running from the Trunk route to the coast. 

Up to the present time no railway construction has been 
taken in hand in the Eastern State of Pahang. Connection 
by railway between that State and its western neighbours 
will necessitate crossing the main range of the peninsula at 
an elevation of nearly three thousand feet, and though a rough 
survey of the proposed route has been made from Selangor 
into Pahang, it is improbable that anything more will be 
done until the extensions now in hand in the Western 
States have been completed. 

All the towns and principal mining centres of the States 
of Perak, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan are connected by 
metalled cart roads. 

The road system throughout these States is very efficient. 
The roads are well bridged and very carefully upkept at 
considerable cost to the Grovernment, and no toll is levied for 
their use. They are easily traversed by any description of 
wheeled traffic, and those in Perak in particular are of a high 
order of excellence, which is probably unsurpassed in the 
East. 

A road of much importance has recently been completed 
by the Public Works Department of Selangor, running from 
that State over the main chain of mountains to Kuala Lipis, 
the capital of Pahang. It is about eighty-five miles in length, 
of which twenty-three miles are in Selangor and the rest in 
Pahang. The range is crossed at an elevation of 2,700 feet, 



Federated Malay States. 19 

and the summit is reached from each side by a continuous 
gradient of one in thirty. 

It is substantially metalled throughout its entire length, 
and is suitable for any description of wheeled traffic. 

For all purposes other than that of mining, State land is J^and. 
alienated by the issue of a grant in perpetuity, upon payment 
of premium or purchase money varying in amount according 
to the position and nature of the property alienated. An 
annual quit rent is also reserved in all cases, which rent 
may be periodically revised at intervals of thirty years. 

No State land situated within the limits of any town may 
be alienated except by sale by pubhc auction. 

Country lands may be selected and applied for to the Local 
Land Office, and, if available, will be alienated to the appli- 
cant upon payment of the prescribed fees. 

Full particulars regarding the acquisition and tenure of 
town and country lands, and the conditions and obhgations 
imposed upon land-holders, will be found in the Federated 
Malay States Land Enactment, 1897, which can be seen in 
the Library of the Colonial Office. 

Mining lands are alienated either by auction or by selection. 
The title issued in respect of such properties is a mining 
lease, the term of which will not usually exceed twenty-one 
years, except in the case of special concessions necessitating 
a large outlay of capital. 

The continuance of the tenancy is in all cases dependent 
upon the regular compliance of the lessee with the conditions 
imposed by his lease ; principal among which are those 
regarding continuous working and the employment of an 
adequate labour force. 

Intending selectors of mining land can obtain prospecting 
licences over defined areas, by virtue of which such area is 
reserved for their exclusive examination for a stated period. 

Full information regarding mining lands and mines can 
be obtained from the Federated Malay States Mining Enact- 
ment, 1898, which can be seen in the Library of the Colonial 
Office. 

All manual labour is performed by Asiatics. The nation- labour. 
alities so employed are Malays, Chinese, Tamils, Javanese, 
and Bengalis. 

The Malay of the peninsula does not figure at all 
prominently among the labouring classes. He undertakes 



20 Handhoch of the 

little work for hire beyond the felling of jungle and the 
management of boats. He is mostly concerned about his 
own affairs and does not enter into competition with the 
immigrant labouring classes. 

Chinese are the most numerous and the most important 
class of labourers. They will undertake almost any class of 
work, from the high grade -handiwork of the skilled artisan 
in wood and metal to the drudgery of the most menial 
offices. The labour force in the mines of the Federated 
States is almost exclusively composed of Chinese, but 
they seldom work as agricultural labourers, except on 
their own account as vegetable gardeners, or for employers 
of their own nationality. When engaged on road and rail- 
way work, the arrangement is usually made with the 
headman on behalf of his gang of coolies, and not with 
the men individually. Chinese labour is more satisfactorily 
utilised on piece-work or contract than on daily wages. 
Except in the case of domestic servants, it is usually difficult 
to persuade them to accept work otherwise than on those 
terms. 

Tamils from Southern India rank next in importance to 
Chinese. They are more amenable to European control than 
Chinese, and, therefore, form the bulk of the labour force 
employed by the Grovernment and by English planters and 
contractors. Their remuneration generally takes the form 
of daily wages payable monthly. They are the best coolies 
for road and estate work. 

The Javanese are not numerous in comparison with the 
classes above mentioned. They are fairly reliable labourers 
when obtainable, and are useful as gardeners, for road earth 
work digging and clearing drains, jungle felling, and 
analogous duties. A gang of Javanese is not uncommonly 
found upon European estates as supplementary to the main 
body of Tamil labourers. They also receive daily wages at 
monthly intervals. 

Bengalis are usually employed as cart-men. A few have 
recently been experimentally introduced into Perak as estate 
labourers. 

Coming to the question of the cost of labour, coolies, of 
whatever nationality, are divisible into two classes — inden- 
tured labour and free labour. In the former class are 
included those who received from their employers the cost 
of their passages from India or China to the Federated 
States, and advances of money or clothing prior to or at the 
time of their arrival, in consideration of their entering into a 
contract to serve for a fixed period at certain rates of wages, 



Federated Malay States. 21 

during which period the advances so made are repaid to the 
employer. 

Labourers who are not bound by any such formal agree- 
ment come under the category of free labour. 

The rates of wages paid to indentured labourers are 
usually lower than those given to free labourers, but 
experience has proved that free labour nevertheless suits 
European employers better than employment by formal con- 
tract. 

The system of engagement by indenture is principally 
used by the Chinese in obtaining labour from China. The 
importation of Chinese by Europeans is not successful, and 
is not recommended. If Chinese are required, it is better to 
engage them locally by arrangement with their headman as 
above described. 

The system of indenture as applied to the importation of 
Indian labour has also fallen into disuse, because employers 
find that free Tamil labour engaged in India, at an outlay 
sufficient to cover the passage money and a small advance, 
answers better than the more formal arrangement. 

It is in this way that the planters in the Federated States 
obtain most of their coolies. 

The outlay in respect of each coolie imported may be 
estimated at about twenty dollars a head, which is afterwards 
recovered from him. 

Coolies are engaged in India by overseers in the service of 
the employer, who are sent to India for the purpose, whence 
the emigration of the coolies is supervised and assisted by an 
official stationed at Negapatam. 

The voyage from Negapatam co Penang is completed in 
about six days. 

The following are approximately the ruling rates of pay 
for coolie labour, in addition to house accommodation : — 

Indentured Coolies : 

Chinese ... ... $4 to $5 per mensem. 

Tamils ... ... 17 „ 20 cents.- per diem. 

Free Coolies : 

Chinese ... ... 30 to 40 cents per diem. 

Tamils 23 „ 35 „ 

Skilled native labour, e.g., carpenters, fitters, engine drivers, 
&c., commands rates ranging from 50 cents to $2.50 per 
diem. 



22 Handbook of the 

The wages of domestic servants are : — 

House boy (indoor servant) $10 to ^15 per mensem. 



Cook 




. . 


$10 „ 


$15 


Water carrier 


. 




W* j> 


$10 


Grardener . . . 






$8 „ 


$10 


Syce or groom 


(one 


for each 






horse kept) 


. 


.. 


S9 „ 


$12 



The first three are necessary, unless a bachelor living by 
himself can arrange to engage a servant who will act for him 
both as boy and cook. In that case he will have to pay him 
about $15 per mensem. 

The Federated Malay States offer to the planter the 
following natural advantages : — 

(i.) A fertile soil, varying in composition according to 
locality, but almost uniformly possessed of the component 
substances necessary to ensure a strong and rapid growth. 

(ii.) A moist, forcing heat, varying but little throughout 
the year. 

(iii.) An abundant and regular rainfall. 

(iv.) An immense acreage of virgin soil, hitherto un- 
touched, available for planting at any elevation up to five 
thousand feet. 

The following products can be cultivated with success : — 

Coffee, tea, sugar, pepper, gambler, sago, rice, rubber, 
cocoanuts, ramie grass, nutmegs, bananas, areca nuts, tapioca, 
and many varieties of native fruits which yield a profitable 
return. 

Detailed information regarding the method and cost of 
opening estates will be found in Appendix B. 

Mining for alluvial tin ore in the Western States is the 
principal industry carried on in the country. As already 
stated, Chinese labour is almost universally employed in this 
work. The tin-bearing stratum is usually found at depths 
varying from five to fifty feet below the surface. The over- 
burden is removed by excavation, and the metalliferous sand 
taken out and washed in sluices. The water is controlled by 
dams, races, and water wheels, and pumps and engines of 
English manufacture are used in almost every mine. The 
ordinary method of alluvial mining is not scientific, and is 
more profitable in the hands of Chinese than in those of 
Europeans. 



Federated Malay States. 23 

Mining for alluvial tin by hydraulic power has been 
introduced by Europeans and is very successful, but requires 
a large outlay of capital. The water is carried for some 
miles through iron pipes of about nine inches in diameter, 
and is forced through a monitor against the hillside, washing 
down the stanniferous earth in large quantities and with a 
minimum of labour. 

Lode mining for tin and gold has been carried on in 
different parts of the Western States, but not so far with 
any marked success. 

Pahang is considered to be the richest of the Federated 
Malay States in mineral wealth. Only very small and 
isolated portions of its area have yet been exploited by 
miners, but the results obtained have been generally 
satisfactory. 

Up to the present time but little indication has been 
found on the eastern slope of the mountain range of the 
alluvial tin deposits which are spread so widely over the 
Western States. It is being worked only in one or two 
places close to the range. At the foot of the hills, at the 
points which correspond to those on the western side of the 
mountains where the richest alluvial deposits are found, the 
granite is intersected by a slate formation which carries no 
tin and cuts the granite off. 

Both gold and tin are being successfully worked in the 
lode. The excellent results obtained by the Eaub gold mine 
are an encouraging augury of what may be expected of 
Pahang when the State is more opened up and better known. 

The forests of the Federated States produce a large Economic 
assortment of excellent hard timbers, principal among which products. 
may be mentioned the following varieties : — Daphniphyllopsis 
Capitata (Malay Chengal), Afzelia Sp. (Malay Mirabeau), 
Scorodocarpus Borniensis (Malay Kulim), Slaetia Sider- 
oxylon (Malay Tampinis), Fagroea Peregrina (Malay 
Tembusu), Strombosia Javanica (Malay Petaling). 

The best qualities of these trees are found at elevations of 
from one to two thousand feet. 

Other natural products of the forests are gutta-percha, 
rubber, rattans of many varieties, including that known as 
the Malacca cane, vegetable oils, resins, and the ataps or 
palm leaves so extensively used for thatching throughout the 
peninsula. 

Fruits, indigenous and naturalised, include the durian, Fruits. 
mangosteen, banana, duku, chiku, rambutan, pulasan, pine- 



24 Handbook of the 

apple, guava, lime, orange, custard apple, soursop, mango, 
papaya, langsat, rambei, and others. 

Vegetables. The Vegetables, usually grown by Chinese gardeners, are 

neither numerous nor of high quality. They include lettuce, 
French beans, onions, leeks, pumpkins, marrows, and Qg^ 
fruit. Potatoes are imported from India. 

Most European vegetables can be successfully grown at 
elevations over 2,000 feet. 

Live StocTc. Cattle are principally used for draught purposes, and are 

of three descriptions — buffaloes, Indian cattle, and native 
cattle. 

The cost of a pair of Indian bulls may be anything between 
100 and 200 dollars. That of a pair of the smaller native 
cattle varies from 80 to 150 dollars. 

Buffaloes are seldom or never used by Europeans. Milch 
cows and buffaloes are kept by natives in the neighbourhood 
of the principal centres of population, and fresh milk of 
good quahty is obtainable wherever there are a sufficient 
number of customers. 

Alternatively, cows may be kept by Europeans for dairy 
purposes, but this necessitates the employment of a cattle 
man, at about 10 dollars a month, to look after them. 

The cost of a good Indian cow is not less than 100 
dollars. 

Horses and ponies are all imported, mostly from Australia. 
Ponies are also brought from Burmah, Northern India, Java, 
and other islands of the Malay Archipelago. 

Small ponies of from 12 to 18 hands may be purchased 
from 100 dollars upwards. 

Australian horses for riding and driving cost from $250 
to $600, the average price being about $350 to $400. 

A large number of sheep and goats are imported for 
the butcher. Groats of an inferior quality are bred by 
the Malays, and sheep do fairly well in Pahang. The 
States, however, are not well adapted to the breeding of 
any stock. 

Pigs are reared in large numbers by Chinese tapioca 
planters and vegetable gardeners, and do well. They always 
command a ready sale, as pork is a staple article of food 
among the Chinese community. 

Eowls and ducks are reared extensively throughout the 
peninsula, but are as a rule poorly fed and of very inferior 
quality. 



Federated Malay States. 25 

As they form a constant article of European diet they may 
advantageously be kept for household purposes and improved 
hy crossing with imported stock. 

The price of poultry varies widely according to locality, 
being lowest in remote country districts and highest 
in the towns. 

The cost of eggs is from two to six cents each, but they 
are by no means always to be depended upon. 

Both sea and river fish are obtainable in large quantities, Fish and 
and many varieties are excellent eating. It is difficult, '^*''^^"^*- 
however, to keep them fresh for a sufficient length of time 
to ensure a regular supply to the inhabitants of inland 
districts. 

Turtles, crabs, prawns, and shrimps are also procurable. 

The fishing industry is pursued by a large number of 
Malays and Chinese on the coast, who secure their fish 
both by hook and line and by stake fish-traps set in the 
tide-way. 

A large proportion of the sea-fish and shell-fish obtained 
are dried, and in that condition form a staple article of food 
for all classes of natives. 

Fishing or fish-curing as an industry has not yet been 
attempted by any European, but there seems to be no reason 
why a trawl net should not be successfully and profitably 
used upon many parts of the coast, as fish always commands 
a ready sale. 

A small charge is levied by Grovernment upon fishing 
boats and upon various descriptions of fishing apparatus. 

The principal towns of the Federated Malay States enjoy Water 
excellent supplies of water for all purposes drawn from supplies. 
reserved areas in the hills into impounding reservoirs, and 
carried thence into service reservoirs for local delivery. 

The regular and abundant rainfall also enables any house- 
holder to collect rain water in tanks and to store a sufficient 
supply for domestic purposes. 

It should be carefully borne in mind that even after Cost of living. 
taking into consideration the current market value and local 
purchasing power of the dollar, it will cost the new arrival 
more to live in the Federated States than in England. 



26 Handbook of the 

It is usually the case that Europeans live at a more 
expensive rate than when at home, and it will not he safe for 
the newcomer to cut his estimate of annual expenses down 
to any lower figure than one which exceeds hy half what he 
has found requisite in England. 

Prohahly the smallest sum upon which a bachelor on an 
estate or in a country district could live with any approach 
to comfort, considering only the necessaries of life and 
making no allowances for luxuries, would he from $80 to 
$100 a month. If any margin is to be allowed for amuse- 
ments and social diversions at least half as much again must 
be provided. 

These figures represent the lowest possible limit in the 
case of gentlemen of education and refinement. Emigrants 
of the artizan class could probably manage, with care, on $60 
or $70 a month, if not called upon to pay rent for the house 
they occupy. 

Means of In addition to the railways, the following means of trans- 

transport. port for passongors and goods are available : — 

Grharis, or light two- wheeled pony carts, with a light over- 
head covering as a protection from sun and rain, are the 
form of passenger conveyance for hire in Selangor, Negri 
Sembilan and Pahang. Each ghari will accommodate one 
passenger and a box of moderate dimensions, in addition to the 
driver. Native passengers frequently travel two in a ghari, 
but this arrangement is not recommended, for the sake both 
of the passengers and the pony. A journey in one of these 
gharis not infrequently partakes of the nature of violent 
exercise, but in the absence of a private conveyance or of a 
bicycle, it is usually the only alternative. 

In Perak the gharis are of larger build, are usually drawn 
by horses, and are more spacious than those above 
mentioned. 

The jinricksha, pulled by Chinese coolies, is the con- 
veyance usually hired for short runs in and around the 
neighbourhood of the towns. They are comfortable, and 
usually fairly clean, but as the coolie who pulls it seldom 
understands any language but his own dialect, and is as a 
rule supremely ignorant of the rule of the road, it is well to 
keep a wary eye on his movements. 

Goods of all descriptions are conveyed over the roads in 
carts drawn by pairs of bullocks, the speed of which seldom 
exceeds two miles an hour. 



Federated Malay States. 27 

The average rates of transport are as follows : Hates of 

transport. 

For Passengers : — 

By Railway — 

1st class, 8 cents per mile. 



2nd „ 5 „ 
3rd „ 3 „ 


JJ 55 












By ahari— 

In Perak, 15 cents per 
In Pahang, 35 „ „ 
In other States, 20 „ „ 


mile. 

55 
55 








By Jinricksha — 

6 to 10 cents per mile. 












For Goods : — 

By Railway — 

1st class goods, 
2nd „ 
3rd 


, per pikul, 

55 
55 


3 
4 

i 
i 


cent 

55 
55 


per 


mile, 

55 
55 



These rates do not include collection and delivery : — 

By Bullock Cart— 
15 cents per mile. 
In Perak 10 cents per mile. 

For Live Stock : — 

By Railway — 

Horses in boxes 15 cents per mile, including one 
syce for each horse. 

Cattle 4 cents each per mile. 

Sheep, 1 cent „ „ 

Boats for passengers and goods can be hired on the 
navigable rivers of the Federated States, but there is no fixed 
rate of hire. The charge is a matter of arrangement, depend- 
ing on the number of the crew, the height of the river, and 
other conditions existing at the time of hire. 

Travellers can obtain lodging and refreshment at the Accommoda- 
Government rest houses, which are situated in all the ^*o'^/^'* 
principal towns and at convenient intervals along the main 
roads. Each of these buildings is in charge of a Grovernment 



28 



Handbook of the 



caretaker, and a cook and water-carrier is also kept on tlie 
premises. 

All furniture, crockery, glass, and linen is supplied by 
the Grovernment. 

The charge for occupation and use of bedroom is one 
dollar per head per diem. The rest house keeper will board 
visitors at a rate of about two dollars per diem, or at 
proportionate rates for single meals. 

A time limit is fixed for the occupation of a rest house by 
any visitor. Should a traveller desire to remain longer than 
the allotted number of days, he must obtain permission from 
the local Grovernment Authority. 

Stables are attached to rest houses and no additional 
charge is made for their use, but the visitor's horse must be 
attended to by his own syce. 

Sanitaria. The Grovernment has erected bungalows on the hills of the 

Western States at elevations varying from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. 
They are fully furnished and can be hired by those in need 
of change of air for specified periods, and at rates which can 
be ascertained on application to the District Authorities. 

The Grovernment of Negri Sembilan also possesses an 
excellent sanatorium on a salubrious part of the coast, where 
good sea bathing is obtainable, in which suites of rooms can 
be hired by visitors. 

There are also a few Grovernment rest houses situated at 
considerable elevations on the hills, and at the seaside, where 
a beneficial change can be enjoyed at very moderate cost. 

Openings for As almost all matters in which the services of professional 
professional j^qj^ qj,q necessary are attended to by officers in G-overnment 
employ, there is at present very little chance of a new- 
comer founding a profitable practice upon his own account. 

The medical practice is entirely in the hands of the GI-overn- 
ment doctors. There are no others. The legal work is already 
divided among the barristers and solicitors now practising in 
the States, and a newcomer would have but little chance unless 
his attainments were exceptional. Even then it would be 
absolutely necessary that he should obtain some proficiency in 
the Malay language before he could attempt to practise. 

There are no vacancies in the clerical appointments. 

Civil Engineers and architects would find but little 
opportunity, because no important works or buildings are 
erected, except those which are projected by the Government 
and carried out by its own engineers. 



Federated Malay States. 29 

A competent and hard-working engineer might in time 
obtain some profitable employment as a contractor for 
Government works, but in this case also he would have to 
spend some time in acquiring that local knowledge without 
which he would be working in the dark and to his own loss. 
It would also be necessary that he should have the command 
of some capital. 

Surveyors who satisfy the Grovernment of their competency 
by certificates or examination can obtain licences to practise 
their profession in the Federated States. Much land yet 
remains to be surveyed, and it is probable that a reliable 
man would obtain continuous work, which would enable 
him to live comfortably, but the authorised scale of survey 
fees limits the charges which may be made, and it is unlikely 
that any surveyor w^ould make a fortune by his work. 
Moreover, the constant exposure to the climate, often in 
unhealthy localities, is very trying to the soundest con- 
stitution. 

Apart from employment under Grovernment, there is no Openings jc 
opening for European skilled labour. Upon the occurrence ^''^*^^^*- 
of any such vacancy, eitlier in a Grovernment department or 
in a firm, it is filled by the engagement of a man by agents 
in England. 

The management of engines and machinery in mines and 
workshops is entrusted to skilled natives under European 
supervision. Their work is satisfactory, and their remunera- 
tion much less than that which would be required by a 
European mechanic. 

There are no openings for clerks. All this work is done Clerks. 
by locally educated Eurasians and natives. 

European domestic servants are unknown in the Federated Domestic 
States. There is no chance of any such servant obtaining «^''^'^"^«- 
employment except in the case of nurses, for whom occasional 
enquiry is made by ladies. 

To the young man possessed of moderate capital planting Planters. 
affords the best opening. The first two years should be spent 
in diligently acquiring local experience and a knowledge of 
native languages by working as assistant upon the estate of 
an experienced planter. 

It will be time enough for the newcomer to make up his 

mind as to the product to which he will devote his attention 

when he has made himself acquainted with the facts 

relating to different varieties of crops, such as the initial 

3 



30 Handbook of the 

outlay per acre until the time when a return may be 
expected ; the period which must elapse before the return 
comes in ; the cost of subsequent upkeep of the estate and 
of the preparation of the produce for the market ; the future 
market prospects of different descriptions of produce, so far 
as it is possible to foresee them. 

These and other analogous matters should be most carefully 
weighed by the young planter before he commits himself to 
the acquisition of a particular class of land or to the cultiva- 
tion of a particular crop. He should estimate most carefully 
how far his capital will go, and limit his operations to a scale 
which will leave him a safe margin of funds up to the time 
that the crop begins to come in, when he can extend his 
estate in proportion to the prices he realises. 

The few particulars regarding cultivation which are given 
in Appendix B, are intended to be considered as approximate 
guides only. The figures will always vary according to 
locality, ruling rates of labour, cost of materials, current 
market prices, and other uncertain data, and what is there 
set out is given only in order to furnish a very general idea 
of the expenditure which may probably be incurred. 

In the same way, the young investor is warned not to risk 
his money in mining adventure until practical experience 
gained in the country has taught him exactly what to expect, 
and he is in possession of reliable information regarding the 
cost of his scheme and the probable results to be obtained 
from the selected area. 

The Federated Malay States offer a varied amount of 
amusements to those who have the time and means to take 
advantage of them. 

Cricket is played in every town, and is very popular. 
Inter- State matches are played annually, and there are regular 
fixtures against the Singapore and Penang clubs. The 
cricketers of the Federated Malay States include many 
excellent performers. Matches are played throughout the 
day, and the heat is not found at aU unbearable. 

Football has attracted much attention of late years, and is 
much appreciated, though the game is hardly suited to the 
climate. It is only played after 5 p.m. 

Hockey has also been recently introduced. Grolf is as 
dominant in the Federated States as in other parts of the 
world. There are links close to all the chief towns. 

Lawn tennis can also be played everywhere, weather 
permitting. The courts are all grass. 



Federated Malay States. 31 

The roads are for the most part excellent for cycling, and 
no one who appreciates this form of exercise should omit to 
bring a bicycle with him. To anybody whose duties require 
him to travel it will be an immense assistance. Ordinary 
repairs to bicycles can be effected locally. 

Bring out a spare set of tyres and tubes sealed in a tin 
case. They can be purchased locally, but are not so good and 
are more expensive. 

Riding can be indulged in all over the States, and driving 
in most places. 

Bring out saddlery and harness from home. It will be 
more satisfactory and cost less than if bought in the 
peninsula. 

Let the saddle be light and fitted with a thick felt 
numnah. 

Horses are generally driven without breeching, but that is 
a matter of taste. 

A saving collar will be useful, also a pair of rope traces. 

Bring a set of stable brushes, scrapers, &c. 

There are four race-courses in the Federated States, and 
meetings are held annually at each ; also occasional gymkhana 
meetings. 

To those fond of shooting the Federated States afford the 
following game : — 

Elephant, bison, rhinoceros, tiger, sambhur and other 
deer, crocodile, and wild pig. 

Snipe, teal, and many varieties of pigeons. 

The weapon for large game should be a double 8 or lO-bore, 
capable of burning ten drams of black powder. Holland's 
10-bore " Paradox "is as good a weapon for the purpose as 
can be procured. 

For other shooting, a well-made double 12-bore, both 
barrels cy Under, is the best gun. It should not weigh less 
than seven pounds. Loaded with ball cartridge such a 
weapon is ae effectual for deer and pig up to 40 yards as any 
rifle, and the density of the jungle seldom affords shots at 
longer range than that. 

Shot cartridges should be loaded with 3 drams of black 
powder or 42 grains of nitrate, and 1 ounce of shot only. 
The usual English load of 1^ ounce of shot will be found 
too heavy in this climate. 

Any first-class nitrate powder may be safely used and kept 
in the Federated States^ The writer has stored them for 



Social 
attractions. 



32 : Handbook of the 

three years without the least deterioration. They should be 
packed in soldered tins. 

No. 7 is the best shot for general purposes. It is equally 
effectual for snipe and pigeons. 

There is very little fishing to be had in the Federated 
States. Most of the rivers are polluted by the detritus 
washed out of the tin mines, and it is necessary to travel far 
in order to get beyond the influence of this discolouration. 
Even then, in the clear rivers near the hills, though an 
occasional fish may be taken by persistent spinning or live 
baiting, there is no certainty that any sport will be obtained, 
and a blank day is the rule rather than the exception. 

Fishing tackle rots and goes to pieces very quickly in this 
climate. 

There are clubs in all the principal towns, centrally 
situated near the cricket grounds, tennis courts, &c. They 
are patronised in the cool of the evenings by ladies as well 
as by gentlemen. Billiards and bridge are regularly played. 

At the headquarters of Perak and Selangor the State Band 
plays three times a week in the evenings. 

Dances, concerts, and theatricals each have their turn, and 
art associations have been established for the encouragement 
of sketching and photography. 



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Fe<jerated Malay States. 33 



PART II. 



PERAK. 



His Highness the Sultan. 
Raja Idris Mersid-el-Aazam Shah, G.C.M.G. 

British Resident . . John Pickersgill Rodger, C.M.G. 

Secretary to the Resident . Alfred Reid Yenning. 

Senior Magistrate . . R. G. Watson. 

State Auditor . . . H. Yane. 

State Engineer . . .J. Trump, A.M.I. C.E. 



THE COUNCIL OF STATE. 

His Highness Idris Mersid-el Aazam Shah, G.C.M.G., Sultan 
of Perak : President. 

The British Resident : John Pickersgill Rodger, C.M.G. 

The Secretary to the Resident : Alfred Reid Yenning. 

His Highness the Raja Muda : Raja Musa. 

The Raja di Hilir : Raja Abdul Jalil. 

The Orang Kaya Temsnygong : Hassan. 

The Orang Kaya Mentri : Wan Muhammad Isa. 

The Orang Kaya Kaya Sri Adika Raja : Wan Muhammad Saleh. 

The Orang Kaya Kaya Laksaniana : Inghe Husin. 

The Orang Kaya Kaya Panglima Kinta : Yusuf. 

The Datoh Sri Maharajah Lela : Abubakar. 

The Datoh Muda: Abdul Wahab. 

Mr. Leong Fi. 

Clerk of Council : The Assistant Secretary to the Resident. 



34 



Handbook of tke^ 



BRITISH RESIDENTS. 
1. James Wheeler Woodford Birch October 4 th, 1874, to 



November 2nd, 1875. 



2. James Guthrie Davidson 



... April nth, 1876, to 
February 16th, 1877. 
William Edward Maxwell February 17th, 1877, to 

April 17th, 1877. 



(acting) 
3. Sir Hugh Low, G.C.M.G. 



April 1st, 1877, to May 

31st 1889. 
August 13th, 1879 to 

October 8th, 1879. 
September, 1881, to 

January, 1882, 
March 22nd, 1884, to 

January, 1886. 



June 1st, 1889, to June 

30th, 1896. 
March 6th, 1890, to June 

28th, 1890. 



William Edward Maxwell 

(acting) 
William Edward Maxwell 

(acting) 
Frank Athblstane Swettenham, 

(acting) 

4. Frank Athelstane Swettenham, 

C.M.G. 
William Hood Treacher, C.M.G, 

(acting) 
William Hood Treacher, C.M.G, October 23rd, 1891, to 

(acting) January 8th, 1893. 

Ernest Woodford Birch (acting) September 21st, 1895, to 

July 4th, 1896. 

5. William Hood Treacher, C.M.G. July 1st, 1896, to 

December 12th, 1901. 

John Pickersgill Rodger October 5th, 1897, to 

(acting) April 16th,' 1898. 

John Pickersgill Rodger, April, 1899, to April, 

C.M.G. (acting) 1900. 

Lt.-Col. R. S. Frowd Walker, April, 1900 

C.M.G. (acting) 
John Pickersgill Rodger, 

C.M.G. (acting) 



to April, 
1901. 
April, 1901, to December 
12th, 1901. 



John Pickersgill 
C.M.G. 



Rodger, December 13th, 1901. 



Geographical 

description. 



The State of Perak is situated between the parallels of 
3°37' and 6°05' north latitude, and 100°3' to 101°51' east 
longitude, on the western side of the Malay Peninsula. It 
is bounded on the north by Province Wellesley and Kedah, 
on the south by Selangor, on the east by Patani, Kelantan 
and Pahang, and on the west by the Straits of Malacca. 
The coast line is about 90 miles in extent, the greatest length 
of the State, in a north and south direction, being 172 miles, 
and the breadth, in an east and west direction, 100 miles. 



Federated Malay States. 35 

The area of the State has been calculated approximately as 
being 6,555 square miles, or 4,195,200 acres. 

It has been estimated that there are upon the mountain 
ranges of the State 1,451,770 acres at an elevation of over 
1,000 feet, available for the planting of those products which 
flourish upon high lands in the tropics, and that between 
1,000 feet and the plains there are 588,000 acres suited to 
the cultivation of products at a lower level. 

The State is well watered by numerous streams and rivers, Physical 
of which the river Perak is the most important. This river Geography. 
runs nearly north and south, until it turns sharply to the 
westward and falls into the Straits of Malacca. It is 
navigable for about 40 miles from its mouth by vessels of 
from 300 to 400 tons burden, and for another 125 miles by 
cargo boats. The upper part of the river is rocky and 
abounds in rapids, and is consequently impassable, except 
for small boats and rafts. 

The rivers Kinta, Batang Padang and Plus are the three 
largest tributaries of the Perak river, and all are navigable 
by cargo boats. These rivers rise in the high mountain 
range, and flow west and south until they fall into the main 
stream. 

Of the other rivers, the Bernam, Dinding, Bruas, Larut, 
Sa'petang, Kurau and Krian may be mentioned. The 
Bernam river, which forms the inter State boundary between 
Perak and Selangor, is two miles wide at the mouth, and is 
navigable for steamers to a greater distance (about 100 miles) 
than any other river in the Peninsula. 

The mountain ranges, which occupy a great portion of the 
State, reach in some places altitudes of 7,000 feet and over, 
and run mainly in a north west and south easterly direction. 
They form two principal chains, besides a few detached 
groups. 

The larger of these chains is a portion of the backbone 
range of the Peninsula, and forms the eastern boundary of 
the State. 

The lesser (of which the highest peaks are Grunong Bubu 
in the south (5,450 feet) and &unong Inas in the north) rises 
in the southern portion of Larut, and runs in a north easterly 
direction through the State to its northern boundary. 
Between these two ranges lie the valleys of the Perak and . 
Kinta rivers, themselves divided by a still smaller range of 
hills, the highest point of which is Grunong Mera, about 
3,500 feet. 



36 Handbook of the 

There are many interesting problems involved in the 
geology of the State which unfortunately remain at 
present unsolved on account of insufficient data, but leaving 
these debateable matters out of the question, the broad facts 
are very simple. There are in reahty only four formations 
represented — firstly, the granitic rocks ; secondly, a large series 
of beds of gneiss, quartzite, schist and sandstone, overlaid in 
many places by thick beds of crystalline limestone — thirdly, 
small sheets of trap rock, and fourthly, river gravels and 
quaternary deposits. The granites are of many varieties, 
and also, in all probability, of several different geological 
periods. 

The series of quartzites, schists and limestones are of great 
age, but as no fossils have ever been found in any of them 
nothing definite can be stated as to their exact chronological 
position. 

Their lithological characteristics, and the total absence of 
all organic remains, point to the Archaean period. 

The failure to discover signs of life in them is of course 
merely negative evidence, and the finding of a single fossil 
would at once upset it. However, until this happens, they 
may be conveniently classed as Laurentian. It is at present 
impossible to form anything approaching an accurate estimate 
of the thickness of this extensive series, but it is probable 
that it approximates 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Unconformability 
has been noticed between the limestones and the beds beneath, 
but whether this is sufficient to separate them or not is a 
matter for future investigation. In some places, on the top 
of the limestone, are small patches of heavy black trap, often 
vesicular in texture. It is evidently now only a remnant of 
what it once was, and is represented in many places by only 
a few scattered fragments, but the time which has elapsed 
since the deposition of the limestone is so great as to allow of 
any amount of denudation having taken place. It is a 
question whether the crystalline character of the limestones 
is not due to their having been flooded by a thick layer of 
incandescent trap. 

The quarternary beds consist of old valley gravels, newer 
clays, sands, peats and gravels, and near the coast, river and 
marine deposits. They are composed of the detritus of the 
granite and Laurentian formations, with of course a certain 
amount of organic matter, and, in Kinta, some slight 
admixture of decomposed trap rock. 

The interval of time represented by the position of the 
ancient Archaean rocks and the modern alluvial beds lying 



Federated Malay States. 37 

upon them is so immense that there naturally arises the 
question of what took place in Perak during those countless 
ages. This, however, can only be determined by a very 
much wider range of observations than have yet been made, 
extending over the Peninsula and some of the adjacent 
islands. The interval is so great that many thousands of 
feet of rock may have been deposited and slowly washed 
away again. However this may be, it is sufficient here to 
state that no traces of any such beds have yet been discovered 
in Perak, and so, from a practical point of view, their previous 
existence or non-existence is a matter of no moment. 

The period at which the country assumed its present 
general configuration was, comparatively, quite recent. The 
eruption of the granite may very probably not have taken 
place at one time. There were, most hkely, several successive 
eruptions, and between each the degradation of the granite 
itself and of the upturned edges of the beds of sedimentary 
rocks went on. Ail the present alluvial beds are of a date 
subsequent to the raising of the ranges of granite hills, and 
if the suggestion already put forward, that the limestone was 
indurated by the molten trap rock, is correct, then the 
eruption of the trap was anterior to the disturbance caused 
by the upheaval of the granite. The peculiar forms of the 
edges of the limestone formation, the isolated position of 
small portions in places many miles from any other 
trace of it, and its fissured and shattered appearance, all seem 
to point to the conclusion that it was indurated prior to its 
being broken through by the granite, and that the induration 
was uneven. 

According to this view the existing remains of the formation 
are those portions which in former times were subjected to the 
hardening action of the trap rock, while all the unhardened 
parts have been washed away. Some of the outliers may have 
been indurated by direct contact with the granite — in the hill 
known as Grunong Pondok there are several granite dykes 
traversing the crystalline limestone of which the hill is 
composed, and at the end of the hill next to the granite 
range the two rocks are in contact. This action could only 
have taken place to a limited extent at the edges of the 
formation, as in other situations there are thick intervening 
beds of the non-calcareous members of the series, widely 
separating the limestone from the granite. 

The taller hills are exclusively composed of granite, as are 
also some of the lower ones. The upturned Laurentian beds 
appear at the bases of the granite ranges as spurs or 
foot hills, the limestone in particular forming most curious 



38 Sandhook of the 

and picturesque hills, sometimes attaining a height of 
considerably over 2,000 feet. 

A suitably chosen section across the Kinta Valley would 
give — starting from the Mera range — granite, gneissic and 
schistose beds, clay-slates and sandstones, limestone, remains 
of trap, alluvium, limestone, clay-slates and sandstones, 
schistose and gneissic beds, and lastly the granite of the 
Central range of the Peninsula. Sections in other valleys 
would not be so perfect, as the limestone in particular is very 
fragmentary. 

The ores of the various metals mentioned in Part I. are 
found in Perak in the different formations under which they 
have been there tabulated. The list, however, is not to be 
accepted as complete, as small quantities of the ores of many 
other metals have also been found. 

The metalliferous ores in the alluvial beds are naturally 
derived from the older formations, but are in many cases 
much more commercially important, because they are more 
accessible and easier to work. In the formation of these 
beds nature has done on a large scale what a miner does in a 
small way. She has crushed and ground to powder vast 
masses of rock, and by the action of water has sorted out and 
concentrated within restricted areas all the valuable 
constituents. The agents employed may be briefly 
summarised as water, air and heat. The surface of the rock 
having been softened by the combined action of these three 
powerful destroyers, the rain detaches fragments and carries 
them in the streams down the hillsides. In their descent, 
being thrown violently against the rocks in the bed of the 
stream, fragments are chipped off and become gradually 
disintegrated until, on arrival at the level of the plains, they 
are reduced to the state of sand and gravel. Here the 
heavier particles are deposited, and the lighter gradually 
find their way far out on to the plain. This simple process, 
continued for thousands of years, wears away the hills and 
distributes their materials over the plains and at the bottom 
of the seas into which the waters ultimately flow. 

The alluvial deposits themselves are also subjected to 
a somewhat analogous process. The floor of a valley formed 
of a thick deposit of alluvial matter will in time be 
lowered by the action of the stream flowing through it, and 
thus the matter first deposited will be again shifted and 
sorted. Eivers and streams do not usually lower the level 
of the whole valley equally ; thus it happens that portions 
of the old alluvium are frequently left at the sides of the 
valleys, forming what are known as river terraces. The 




LIMESTONE CLIFFS, KINTA. 



Federated Malay States. 39 

excessive rainfall of Perak does not favour the formation of 
these terraces, or, to speak more correctly, it rapidly rounds 
them off, and the numerous tributaries v^^hich come in at such 
short distances from the hills, on either side of the valleys, 
cut them up and destroy their distinctive character ; but still 
in many localities they may be recognised. They have taken 
in the past a curious and interesting part in filling the caves 
of some of the limestone hills with tin-bearing drift. Some 
of these caves are now over four hundred feet above the 
present level of the valley. They are worked for the tin 
contained in them, and the remnants of the river terraces are 
also mined to a considerable extent. 

From the foregoing it will be apparent that there are two 
distinct phases in the formation of alluvial valleys. Firstly, 
the filling in with the detritus of the hills, and secondly the 
sorting and partial carrying away of the deposit first formed. 
The two processes may be seen in operation sometimes in 
neighbouring valleys ; and to a certain extent, in the same 
valley, at different seasons of the year. Flooding is an 
essential of the fiUing-in process and variations of rainfall 
therefore affect it ; but the alteration of the level of the 
lower part or outlet of a valley is the important determining 
factor between the two phases. The falling of a few trees, 
or the accumulation of some driftwood, will bank up a 
stream, and may cause it in a short time to deposit several 
feet of earth above the obstruction ; while the breaking down 
of such a barrier, the cutting of a new channel by the stream, 
or other circumstances tending to lower it and prevent it 
flooding, may, on the other hand, cause a lowering of the 
surface of a valley to set in. 

Some years back the filling-in process was going on to a 
considerable extent in some of the valleys at the foot of the 
hills between Papan and Lahat, in Kinta, where large 
stretches of standing dead forest were to be seen. This was 
caused by the silting up of the valleys and the raising of 
the level of the earth above what is called the crown of the 
trees. A layer of from one foot to eighteen inches of earth 
is sufficient to kill most jungle trees. The trees having been 
killed, rotted away and fell down branch by branch and 
trunk by trunk, further blocking up and impeding the flow 
of the streams and so increasing the amount of deposit. As 
soon as the deposition moderated, a f]'esh crop of trees would 
spring up, at a higher level than their predecessors, and in 
the course of years the same thing would happen again. It 
was in this way that the layers of peat and tree stumps were 
formed which are such characteristic features of all alluvial 
beds. 



40 Sandhook of the 

One of the most important geological facts in regard to 
Perak which has come to light up to the present time is the 
evidence of a recent subsidence of the coast line to the 
extent of 105 ft. or more. 

Sometime ago a boring was made to a depth of 105 feet at 
Matang, about eight miles up the Larut Eiver, and a section 
was made from it, which shows that within quite recent times 
an important alteration of level has taken place. The 
ground at that place is 6 feet above the present high- 
water mark. Down to a depth of 17 feet from the surface, 
the formation is marine, but below that, beds oi sand, clays, 
and gravels, with leaf bands and pieces of wood are met with, 
of the same nature as the drift near the hills, and containing 
a small quantity of fine tin-sand ; these beds extend down 
to a depth of 105 feet and probably much further. 

It therefore appears that there has been a subsidence of at 
least 105 feet since the deposition of the tin-bearing drift of 
Larut. An alteration of level of this extent must have made 
most important geographical changes in the configuration of 
the Straits of Malacca ; and the fact may help to solve some 
of the problems connected with the distribution of the flora 
and fauna of this interesting locality. 

In the first 17 feet of marine deposits there were found 16 
species of molluscs, all identical with species now inhabiting 
the sea of the coast. In the remainder of the bore, no animal 
remains were discovered. 

According to Malayan tradition, some small hills near the 
mouth of the Perak River, which are now some miles inland, 
were formerly islands. This points to the rapid formation 
of the sea-swamps subsequent to the depression of the land ; 
and to the comparatively recent date of this change of 
level. 

There are several hot springs in the State, and one visited 
in upper Perak had a temperature of between 90 and 100^ F., 
and smelt strongly of sulphuretted hydrogen, the water 
having a bitter taste. This spring rises through a greenish- 
grey compact translucent silicious rock, which has probably 
been deposited by the spring's own action. Similar rock has 
been found at hot springs in Kinta, and does not appear to 
have been met with where such springs do not exist. They 
are not due to volcanic action, but seem simply to result from 
water entering a rock crevice on the hills, and then flowing 
down through the fissure, under the action of gravity, to a 
great depth before it rises to the surface again and in its 



Federated Malay States. 41 

passage under pressure through the heated rocks it acquires 
its high temperature and takes up its mineral and gaseous 
constituents. All the springs which have been examined 
rise through granite and are in the vicinity of granite hills. 

A sample of the water not having been examined, no 
reliable idea can be formed of it properties ; but the natives 
beheve that its use will cure rheumatism and diseases of the 
skin. These springs are much frequented by elephants, 
rhinoceros, and other wild animals. It has been suggested 
that the waters of these hot springs would have medicinal uses, 
taken internally, but the connection between them and goitre, 
in Perak, is too constant to be merely a coincidence. 

One remarkable hot spring occurs in the bed of the Perak 
Eiver at Pulau Kamiri. The heat on the sand at the 
bottom of the river is 120° F., and if an q^^ is buried in the 
sand, the heat is sufficient to cook it. The water is about 
5 feet deep over the spring which is about 40 feet from the 
eastern bank of the river. 

The climate of Perak is good, the temperature ranging in cumate. 
the low country from 66° F. in the night to 96° F. in the 
shade in the heat of the day. The average mean is about 
70° F. in the night and 87° F. in the day. The nights are 
uniformly cool. 

At 3,000 feet the average is 60° F. at night and 73° F. in 
the day. 

The rainfall varies considerably, as much as 200 inches in the 
year being occasionally registered at Taiping, but the average 
elsewhere is about 90 inches. There is no true rainy season, 
but the wettest months are March, April, May, October, 
November and December. 

1. The total population of the State in 1891 and 1901 was Population. 
as follows : — 



Population. 


1891. 


1901. 


Males 


156,408 


239,556 


Females ... 


57,846 


90,109 



Total ... 214,254 329,665 



2. The total increase since 1891 is 115,411, or 53*86 per 
cent. The increase in Males is 83,148, or 53*16 per cent., 
and in Females 32,263, or ^^'77 per cent. 



42 



Handbook of the 



Hiitory. 



3. The total increases amongst Europeans, Americans and 
other nationalities are as follows : — 

Europeans and Americans ... ... 306 

Malays and other Natives of the 

Archipelago 38,176 

Chinese 55,894 

Tamils and other Natives of India ... 19,875 
Eurasians ... ... ... ... 302 

Other Nationalities 858 

4. The following table gives the figures of comparison 
with the Census of 1891 : — 



Race. 


1891 


1901. 


Increase 
per cent. 


Europeans and A m ericans 


366 


672 


83-60 


Malays and other Natives of the Archi- 
pelago 


103,992 


142,168 


36-71 


Chinese 


94,345 


150,239 


59-24 


Tamils and other Natives of India 


14,885 


34,760 


133-52 


Eurasians 


289 


591 


104-49 


Other Nationalities 


377 


1,235 


227-58 



It will be seen from the above figures that all nationalities 
contribute to the total increase, the greatest increase, among 
the main races, being shown by the Chinese, and the highest 
percentage of increase by the Tamils and other Natives of 
India. 

The large increase in the Chinese population, who now lead 
the Malays and other Natives of the Archipelago by 8,071, 
was almost a foregone conclusion and calls for little comment. 
It is, in a sense, at once the cause and the result of the 
general progress of the country and of the development of 
the great mining industry on which that progress so largely 
depends. 

According to local native tradition the district of Bruas, 
on the coast of Larut, was the place where a Kingdom and 
Raja were first established in Perak. Temong, a few miles 
above Kuala Kangsar, on the Perak River, was afterwards 
the seat of government. 

Early in the sixteenth century, after the capture of 
Malacca by the Portuguese, and the flight of Sultan 



Federated Malay States. 43 

Muhammad to Johor, a Prince of the Royal line of Malacca 
and Johor established himself in Perak as Sultan, and the 
members of the Royal Family now living claim to be 
descended from him. In subsequent years Perak was twice 
invaded by the Achinese, and rajas and chiefs were carried 
in captivity to Sumatra. One of these was a Perak Prince 
who was afterwards Sultan of Achin, and became famous 
under the name of Sultan Mansur Shah. 

About the year 1650, the Dutch established, by virtue of 
a treaty with Achin, a trading station on the Perak River, 
and acquired a monopoly of the tin trade, which even then 
was of some importance. 

In the following year their factory was attacked by the 
Malays, and the Dutch were cut off to a man. 

The Dutch trading station, though again established, was 
abandoned several times, owing to the hostility of the Perak 
people. 

The Island of Pangkor, or Dinding, was, about 1670, 
occupied by the Dutch, but was abandoned in 1690, and 
their fort, of which the ruins remain to the present day, was 
blown up in the last century. 

The last Dutch station in Perak was on the Perak River, 
at Pengkalan Halban, some miles below the present town of 
Teluk Anson, but it was deserted in 1783, though resettled 
some years afterwards. The Dutch were finally ejected by 
the English, under Lord Camelford and Lieutenant 
Macalister, in the year 1795. 

Perak was subdued by the Siamese in 1818, but by a 
treaty between the East India Company and Siam in 1824, 
its independence under British protection was secured From 
that time until 1874 there was little political communication 
between Perak and the British settlement in the Straits of 
Malacca. In the latter year, internal disturbances and 
piracy on the coast of Perak, which injuriously affected the 
neighbouring settlement of Penang and the coasting trade 
in the Straits of Malacca, were put an end to by the inter- 
vention of Sir Andrew Clarke, r.e., g.c.m.g., then Q-overnor 
of the Straits Settlements. 

A British Resident and Assistant were, at the request of 
the Sultan of Perak, appointed to aid in establishing and 
maintaining a proper administration, while their powers and 
other matters were determined by a treaty concluded at 
Pangkor on the 20th January, 1874. The first British 
Resident, Mr. J. W. W. Birch, was murdered by the Malays 
while bathing at Pasir Salak, on the Perak River on the 



44 Handbook of the 

2nd November, 1875. A force sent to apprehend the 
murderers was resisted, and it became necessary to bring troops 
from India and China to obtain redress and secure order in 
the State. All the murderers were arrested and punished ; 
but, as it was found that many of the principal chiefs had 
instigated or been privy to the crime, it was found necessary 
to banish the Sultan (Abdullah), and three chiefs to the 
Seychelles, while the ex-Sultan (Ismail) was sent as a State 
prisoner to Johor. 

Eaja Muda Yusuf, son of a previous Sultan, was then 
created Regent of Perak, and in February, 1877, Mr. Hugh 
Low (now Sir Hugh Low, g.c.m.g.) was appointed British 
Resident of Perak, a post which he held until May, 1889, 
when he retired and was succeeded by Mr. F. A. Swettenham, 
c.M.G. (now Sir F. A. Swettenham, k.c.m.g.). 

H.H. Raja Muda Yusof, was installed as Sultan of Perak 
in May, 1887, and died in July of the same year. He was 
succeeded by H. H. Raja Muda Idris, c.m.g., son of Raja 
Bendahara Iskandar, and was formally installed as Sultan 
of Perak on the 5th April, 1889. 

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York 
conferred upon the Sultan of Perak the honour of the 
G.C.M.Gr. upon the occasion of his visit to Singapore in 
April, 1901. 

Native Races. The Aborigines of Perak consist of two tribes known as 
Sakai and Semang. 

The Sakais are short, but the men are strongly built, and 
in colouring they are rather lighter than the Malay. When 
not artificially coloured a yellowish brown their hair is black, 
rather long and wavy, and stands out from the head. They 
can hardly be said to wear any clothes, a strip of bark cloth 
and a few rude ornaments being all that they consider 
necessary. 

The blow-pipe, or sumpitan, with its small poisoned darts 
and rude bamboo pointed spears constitute their weapons. 
They have considerable taste in decorating these and the few 
simple utensils that suffice for their wants. Even bamboos 
in which they cook rice, and which are only used once, are 
sometimes elaborately decorated with incised patterns. 
Nearly every tribe (and they are broken up in many) has a 
dialect of its own, showing that intertribal communication 
is rare. 

In some parts of Perak the general appearance of the 
Sakais in not much unlike that of the Malays of the interior 
for the latter people had been, up to the time of the arrival 



Federated Malay States. 45 

of the English in Perak, in the habit of making raids on 
these aborigines, and the captives taken became the slaves, 
and in the case of females the concubines, of their Malay 
captors. This custom carried on for a long series of years, 
introduced a large admixture of Sakai blood into the Malay 
population. 

In consequence of the ill-treatment which these people 
have suffered from the Malays they are very shy, and avoid 
strangers with the instinct of wild animals. Malays are 
Muhammadans and it was not considered a crime to kill an 
unbelieving Sakai, any more than it was to kill a dog, or 
other animal ; this state of things existed down to about 
the year 1874 or 1875. 

The Semangs inhabit the country to the west of the Perak 
Eiver, and are smaller than the Sakais, but are rather 
darker and more negroid in appearance, with close curly 
black hair. They use bows and arrows in addition to the 
blow-pipe. Many of them have no permanent abodes and 
do not plant any rice or other grain, but lead a purely 
nomadic life in the jungles, living on what they can kill 
with their weapons, and on wild fruits, leaves and roots. 
They chew the green leaves of tobacco, but prefer cured 
tobacco when they can get it. Neither Sakais or Semangs 
have any idea of a divinity, but they have a strong belief in 
good and evil spirits. 

Malays. — Into the much contested question of the origin 
of Malays it is needless to enter, but it may be safely 
affirmed that they are only colonists, who, at no very remote 
period, settled along the shores of the Malay Peninsula, and 
on the banks of its rivers. 

They are an indolent, contented, thriftless, unambitious, 
polite and peaceful race, mainly the reverse of the sulJen 
revengeful, silent, and bloodthirsty Malay commonly 
portrayed in books of travel. That there are bad characters 
amongst them is not to be doubted, but that they are more 
frequent among Malays than other nations is certainly not a 
fact. 

It seems to be doubtful whether the Malays as a race are 
susceptible of much improvement in their own country. 
Certain it is, that they have not taken a leading part in 
commercial and other pursuits, but have allowed, both here 
and in other parts of the Straits, the Chinese, Tamils, and 
other foreigners to become the leading shopkeepers, merchants, 
miners, and agriculturists. The lower classes are content 
with a bare subsistence, while the well-born Malay is too proud 
(and often, it must be confessed, too indolent) to work ; he 
4 



46 



Handbook of the 



Revenue and 
Expenditure. 



has not the commercial astuteness of the Chinaman, but 
prefers to live by taxing his labour, while he despises the 
Tamils and mixed races. 

At the census taken in 1901, there were only 73 Malay 
prisoners in the State, or one to every 1,794, while of Tamils 
there were one to every 476, of Chinese one to every 296, 
and of Bengalis one to every 281. The Malays occupied 
the same favourable position at the census of 1891, when 
the proportion of prisoners of that nationality was one to 
every 1,343. Taking the figures of the 1891 census, the 
proportion of prisoners to population in England and Wales 
works out at one to 1,585, which very closely approximates 
to the ratio found to exist amongst the Malays of Perak. 

The Chinese, who now form nearly one-half of the entire 
population, are the real workers in the State. Nearly all 
the mining, and most of the trade, is in their hands. The 
customs, or, as they are called, the revenue farms, are also 
held by them. 

Boat, cart, carriage and house building and most other 
trades are carried on almost exclusively by the Chinese. But 
it is a mistake to suppose that they are good workmen. If 
the climate would permit the employment of European 
artisans, there is no doubt that there would be a good field 
in the Straits for really skilled workmen. 

Considering that the Chinese immigrants are, as a rule, of 
the lowest class, it is surprising with what ease they are kept 
in order, and what a small proportion of crime is committed. 
Life and property are as safe, perhaps safer, than in England. 

A comparison of revenue and expenditure since 1875 is 
shown in the following table : — 



Year. 


Revenue. 


Expenditure. 


Year. 


Revenue. 


Expenditure. 




$ c. 


$ c. 




% 0- 


$ c. 


1875 


226,333 00 


256,831 00 


1888 


2,016,240 33 


1,709,260 50 


1876 


273,043 00 


289,476 00 


1889 


2,776,583 71 


2,090,116 97 


1877 


312,872 43 


292,711 64 


1890 


2,504,116 99 


2,555,793 38 


1878 


328,608 80 


291,473 59 


1891 


2,324,981 58 


3,146,129 37 


1879 


388,372 84 


369,707 33 


1892 


2,689,565 63 


3,094,855 34 


1880 


582,496 18 


621,995 70 


1893 


3,034,093 90 


3,401,086 67 


1881 


692,861 41 


652,938 35 


1894 


3,542,114 75 


3,587,224 04 


1882 


905,385 92 


918,914 50 


1895 


4,033,611 94 


3,757,007 83 


1883 


1,474,330 11 


1,350,610 69 


1896 


3,960,871 23 


3,989,376 26 


1884 


1,532,497 22 


1,481,470 10 


1897 


3,837,558 61 


4,178,238 03 


1885 


1,522,084 84 


1,316,625 86 


1898 


4,575,842 35 


5,560,529 70 


1886 


1,688,276 22 


1,465,325 08 


1899 


6,580,305 97 


5,441,691 83 


1887 


1,827,476 80 


1,550,489 29 


1900 


7,636,126 76 


6,144,774 21 



Federated Malay States. 47 

On the 1st January, 1900, the excess of assets over liabili- 
ties amounted to $406,811, and on the 1st January, 1901, to 
$1,898,164. The principal sources of revenue are an export 
duty on tin, the spirit, opium, and other forms, railway 
receipts, land rents, municipal taxes, forest fees, post 
and telegraph receipts, and fines and fees of court. 

The imports for the year 1900 were valued at $14,741,148, Trade. 
and the exports for the same year at $29,190,66)3, giving a 
total trade of nearly forty-four millions of dollars. 

The principal export is tin. The value of this exported in 
1900 amounted to $26,032,343. 

Other important articles of trade are rice, opium, cotton 
goods, machinery, hardware, sugar, tobacco, live stock and 
poultry, firewood, fish, oils, and railway materials. 

The whole of the trade of the State is carried between the 
ports of the State and Singapore, Penang, and Malacca. 

Agriculture has not made any great progress in the State, Agriculture 
and at the present time a comparatively small area of land onlv <^^^^^^9fM^ 
is under cultivation This may be accounted for by the 
thinness of the population and the ease with which the 
natives can get the necessaries of Life, either by working 
occasionally in the mines, or cultivating a small patch of 
garden and rice land. The cost of living to a Malay is only 
about three to four pence a day ; and wages, which are 
governed in a great measure by the proximity to the chief 
mining districts, range from one to two shilHngs per diem. 

Bice. — Eice is at present the staple agricultural product, 
and is planted in two ways ; it is called either hill, or wet, 
padi, according to its situation. The growing of hill padi is 
now prohibited by the Grovernment, because it leads to the 
destruction of large quantities of valuable timber and spoils 
the land for any other purpose for seven or more years after- 
wards. Only one crop is taken from the land, and then it is 
allowed to grow up in jungle again. 

Wet padi is grown on the plains, and by means of artificial 
irrigation the fields are kept flooded with water while the 
rice is growing. The ground is prepared by cutting the 
weeds on it, letting them dry in the sun, and then burning 
them off ; the ground is next turned by rude wooden ploughs 
drawn by buffaloes, and the young rice plants (which have 
been raised in a nursery) are planted out in the fields by 
women and children. 

Manure is quite unknown in rice culture in Perak, and 
after several years' cultivation, fields have hitherto been 
4a 



48 Handbook of the 

allowed to lie fallow for several seasons before they are 
planted up again. 

A padi crop does not really take much out of the soil, 
because only the ears are cut, all the straw being left standing 
in the fields to rot and so manure the ground. 

In 1901 $3,521,287 worth of rice was imported into Perak, 
against an export of the same valued at $541,668. 

The State is therefore spending nearly three million 
dollars a year on rice, which ought to be grown on the 
thousands of acres of waste land now lying idle. The 
encouragement of the culture of rice is therefore one of 
the most important subjects to which attention can be drawn 
and is now occupying the earnest attention of Government. 

Indian Corn. — This grain is grown in considerable quan- 
tities, but it does not flourish to the same extent as in 
colder climates. It is rarely that more than two cobs are 
borne by one plant, and very often only one is produced. 

The corn is mostly eaten by the Malays before it is ripe, 
the whole cob being boiled for that purpose. 

Root Crops and Vegetables. — The former comprise sweet 
potatoes, yams, caladium bulbs, cassava, and several others.. 

They are only produced in sufficient quantity to supply 
the local demands. Potatoes will not grow, except on the 
mountains, but the market is weU supplied by those im- 
ported from India and Australia. Other vegetables, such 
as onions, lettuce, beans, egg-fruit, cucumbers, vegetable- 
marrows, and pumpkins, grow freely, but cabbages, radishes, 
carrots, French beans, tomatoes, asparagus, and other 
European vegetables can only be raised with care from 
imported seeds, and usually at a considerable elevation. 

The natives eat many leaves and plants that they find in 
the jungle, but Europeans, with the prejudices which they 
have to unknown and unfamiliar dishes, rarely taste these 
vegetables, and nothing has been done in the way of trying 
to improve by cultivation the most promising and delicate 
flavoured of the plants ; but there seems to be a fair field 
for investigation in this line. 

Fruits. — Owing to the highly coloured descriptions that 
travellers have given, tropical fruits are supposed by the 
great majority of English people to be far finer, richer and 
better in every way than those grown in colder climates ; 
but such is not the case ; and though Malayan fruits exceed 
English fruits in size and often in strength of flavour and 
odour, a strawberry, pear or peach is, in the judgment of 
Europeans, quite unequalled by anything grown in Malaya. 



Federated Malay States, 49 

The two Malayan fruits that stand out prominently are the 
Mangosteen and the Durian. The latter has often been 
described, but its smell and taste are not be put into words. 
Many people can never bring themselves to taste it, but 
when once this repugnance, which is caused by the over- 
poweringly offensive odour, is overcome, a liking for it is 
almost sure to follow. Among Easterns of all nationalities, 
an insatiable craving for it seems to exist, and during the 
season those who own many trees live almost entirely upon 
the sale of durians. The owners build themselves little 
houses perched on high poles near the trees, and arrange 
strings with wooden clappers and other noise-producing 
instruments attached to them to drive away the various 
animals which would otherwise strip the trees. 

Bears and squirrels are the chief thieves, but Malays say 
that tigers are also very fond of the fruit. Whether this is 
a fact or not remains to be proved, but certain it is that 
elephants, cattle, goats, horses, dogs and monkeys eat them 
whenever they get a chance. 

The price of the durian varies from Is. 6d., in Singapore, 
at the beginning of the season, to 2d. or 3d. each in the 
country. In Mandalay and Burmah, as much as two or 
three rupees is paid for a durian. 

The mangosteen is a pleasant fruit, slightly acid, and 
with a delicate but characteristic flavour. When opened, 
the contrast, between the snow white of the fruit and the 
dark red or purple of the rind is striking and beautiful. The 
price is about a half -penny each. 

Mangoes, langsat, machang, tampuni, rambei, shaddocks, 
rambutan, pulsasan, papaya, guavas, pineapples, duku, 
tampoi, bananas and plaintains, water-melons, hmes, oranges, 
jackfruit, custard apples, sweet and sour sops, are the 
principal remaining kinds of fruits that may be mentioned. 
The mangoes are not to be compared with those of Bombay, 
Siam, or Manila. 

One great want is a fruit that will cook well, and make 
tarts and preserves. The pine, sour sop, banana, rambutan, 
the guava and the mango alone are available for this purpose, 
and Europeans have to fall back on tinned and bottled 
English fruits. The large sale of these last is a convincing 
proof of the inferiority of tropical fruit. 

Bai'k used for Tanning. — Considerable quantities of bark 
are exported from the mangrove swamps that line the sea 
coast of Perak. The trees which produce it are species of 
the genus rhizophora. The mangrove forests which cover 
these sea swamps are called hdkau by the Malays. 



50 Handbook of the 

There are many other harks which are used for the same 
purposes, but they are not exported at present. 

Rattans. — Canes are collected and exported to a moderate 
extent; $7,967 worth was exported in 1900. They grow 
wild, and no attempt has ever, as far as is known, been made 
to cultivate them, though there seems to be no reason why 
they should not be planted and give good returns. 

Rotan Semambu {calamus seipionuni) is known as the 
Malacca cane, and is exported in considerable quantity for 
the purpose of being made into walking sticks. It is used 
locally for the handles of the baskets used in tin mines, and 
the frames of rattan chairs. Many other kinds of rotan 
are used as walking sticks, among others j^otan manoh and 
rotan dudok may be mentioned. For other purposes, such 
as baskets, mat and chair making, house building, and the 
thousand and one uses that the natives put this plant to, 
rotan sega, rotan ayer, rotan battc, rotan sindek, rotan dahan, 
rotan tiga sagi, and many others are used. 

Rotan sega, before the introduction of matches, was in 
great request, from the comparative ease with which fire 
may be obtained from a strip of it by rapid friction round a 
piece of dry wood. The dye, " dragon's blood," is obtained 
from the fruit of calamus draco, called by the natives rotan 
jerning, and is used by them in staining articles, such as the 
rushes used in mat making of a bright red colour. 

Bamboo. — This gigantic grass grows luxuriantly throughout 
the State. There are about twelve varieties cultivated, or 
rather planted, by the Malays, and about an equal number 
growing wild in the forests. Its uses, like those of the 
rattan, are so numerous that it is impossible to enumerate 
them all. They range from house-building materials to the 
principal ingredient in a bamboo curry, and the young 
tender shoots thus treated make an excellent dish. 

Cotton. — The tree-cotton (gossypium arbor eum) is grown to 
a hmited extent in Perak, but nothing like systematic 
cultivation has ever yet been attempted here. 

Silk-cotton, the produce of eriodendron aufractuosicm, is 
also grown in Malaya, and is largely used for stuffing 
mattresses and pillows. 

A species of the genus bombax, also yielding silk-cotton, 
grows wild in the jungles and attains vast dimensions. If 
produced in sufficient quantity, silk-cotton seems well adapted 
to form an ingredient in the better class paper, and the seeds, 
which contain a very large percentage of sweet, pleasant 
tasting oil, might be turned to some account. 



Federated Malay States. 51 

Sugar. — Sugar to the value of $1,315,974 was exported 
from the Krian district of Perak in 1900. Its cultivation is 
now being extended to the remainder of the State, but there 
is still a quantity of land suitable for its growth on the 
mangrove swamps bordering the sea, and on the slightly 
undulating lands adjoining. 

The sugar is produced by the Chinese who, in some cases, 
employ European engineers in the works, but a European 
company has successfully opened a large estate on the Grula 
river, and several more are now opening land in Kurau and 
Lower Perak. 

Palm sugar is made in small quantities from the arenga 
saccharifera, the coconut, and other palms. 

Spirits. — The amount exported was 49,400 gallons, valued 
at $22,880. This spirit is made from the refuse of the sugar 
mills and is mostly exported. That made for local con- 
sumption is distilled from a mixture of brown sugar or 
molasses and rice. 

Coffee. — In the gardens of the Malays native coffee is 
produced, and on the experimental hill gardens, opened by 
the Government of Perak, and the estates opened by private 
enterprise, the cultivation of Liberian coffee is an assured 
success, but the present low price has induced some of the 
planters to turn their attention to other products. 

Only $82,446 worth of coffee was exported in 1900, but 
then the local market was also supplied, as none was im- 
ported. 

The berry is not always used by the Malays, but a sort of 
tea made from the roasted leaves of the coffee bush is often 
preferred by them for their own drinking. 

Tea. — This has only been grown experimentally as yet. 
There were about 50 acres of Assam Hybrid in the Grovern- 
ment hill gardens, at elevations varying from 1,600 to 3,000 
feet, and this was pronounced by competent authorities to be 
doing as well as any in Ceylon. The tea made from the 
leaves is also of good quality, and has been sold on the 
London market at satisfactory prices There is fine land in 
the low country suited to tea cultivation, and what has been 
planted on the plains has grown most luxuriantly. 

Coconuts and Betelnuts. — Many young plantations of coco- 
nuts will soon be coming into bearing in various parts of the 
State. Copra valued at $30,513 was exported from Lower 
Perak in 1900. 

Betelnuts [areca catechu) are not produced in sufficient 
quantity to supply the wants of the State, except in Krian and 



52 Handbook of the 

Lower Perak, from which $28,338 worth were exported 
in 1900, but they can he grown to any extent. 

Indigo is cultivated and manufactured by the Chinese in 
Krian, and in 1900 $5,990 worth was exported. It is used 
locally in dyeing the dark blue cloth that is almost universally 
worn by the labouring classes of Chinese. 

Tobacco and Gambier. — These products are grown to a 
small extent by the natives and in sufficient quantities to 
show the suitability of the soil and climate to their cultiva- 
tion. 

Tapioca. — There is one large tapioca estate in the Trong 
district, and $42,544 worth of tapioca was exported in 1900. 

Pepper has of late years been planted to a considerable 
extent, and the gardens which have come into bearing look 
most promising, and the pepper produced is of excellent 
quality. The export for 1900 was valued at $25,322. 

Nutmegs, cardamoms, patchouli, citronella, khus-khus, 
and lemon grass, flourish wherever planted. Several kinds 
of nutmegs and cardamoms grow wild in the jungle and 
are collected by the natives for sale. 

Incense, Camphor and Damar. — Incense trees are plentiful 
in some parts of the jungle. Large nurseries have been 
made of these trees, and many thousands of plants will soon 
be ready for planting out on the waste lands of Larut. 

The camphor tree is also said still to grow in some parts 
of Perak. Formerly it was abundant but it has been almost 
exterminated by the collectors in the more accessible parts of 
the country. 

G-haru, or Eagle Wood, is also occasionally met with. 

Eesin, known here and in the market as damar is produced 
by many kinds of trees. The principal are Damar mata 
kuching, D. Meranti, D. Laut, D. Degon, Damar Batu. 
The stone-resin is found in the beds of tidal rivers. 

India-Rubber. — There are to be found growing in the 
forests of the State, besides the well-known Ficus elastica, a 
tree which attains immense dimensions, several creepers 
belonging to or nearly alhed to the genius Wilioughbeia, which 
produce india-rubber of excellent quahty. 

The South American Caoutchouc-producing trees, TTevea 
Braziliensis and Manihot Glazovu, were introduced into Perak 
many years ago and the former have grown into large 
trees. The latter, however, after attaining a size of 30 feet 
or so dies out from some unexplained cause. Large quanti- 
ties of Para Eubber have recently been planted in several 



Federated Malay States, 53 

districts and much more would have been put in but for the 
difficulty of obtaining seed. 

Gutfa-Percha. — The trees which produce this gum are to 
be found throughout the jungle ; but nearly all those of a 
size to yield sufficient gutta to repay the trouble of felling, 
have been destroyed. The trees from which gutta is 
extracted are as follows, arranged in the order of the quahty 
of the gum they produce : — Gretah taban merah (Dichopsis 
gutta), getah taban sutra [Dichopsis sp), Gretah sundek 
{Tayena leerii), Getah taban puteh {Dichopsis sp.), Gretah 
taban chaier {Dichopsis pustuiata), Gretah taban simpor 
{Dichopsis maingayi). The export of Grutta-percha for 1898 
was valued at 33,809 dollars. 

These are not important at the present time, the natives Animal 
having little or no idea of raising or improving stock. The -P»'«*^^*'«- 
cattle are, as a consequence, few in number, of inferior quality, 
and for the most part imported. 

Birds' Nests. — In the cases of the hmestone hills, the 
swallow {collocalia linchi, Hors.) builds its much sought after 
edible nests. Up to the present time, however, these nests 
have not been collected in the State, except by the Semangs 
in Upper Perak, to a small extent. This neglect seems to be 
attributable to the apathetic indolence of the Malays, and 
possibly to the fact that the nests are but few in number and 
of inferior quahty. 

Bats' Guano {tahi klaicer). — To the same caves, enormous 
hosts of bats resort in the day time to sleep and, as a 
consequence, the floors of these caverns are lined many feet 
thick with their excrement. As yet these stores of manure 
have been almost untouched ; though the guano is rich in 
nutritive properties. 

Bfics^-icax, Honpy and Lac or Lak, are collected in small 
quantities. Bees have not yet been domesticated in Perak, 
nor has any attempt been made to cultivate the trees on 
which the lac insect is found in the jungle, though both 
subjects seem well worthy of attention. 

Silk. — The rearing of silk worms was carried on for some 
time in Larut, and the results obtained seemed very 
encouraging, but disease shewed itself and, as in other places, 
caused the death of most of the worms. 

Tin. — The principal product of Perak is tin, and it was Economic 
the presence of this metal which first attracted Chinese to the ^^^^rals. 
State. Disputes with reference to the possession of mines 
ensued followed by bloodshed and failure of the Malay chief 



54 Handbook oj the 

to preserve his authority. An appeal was then made to the 
British Grovernment for assistance, and the present system of 
Protection estahlished by treaty. Since that time (January, 
1874) the revenue had increased twenty-fold: the export 
duty on tin contributing most largely to that result. The 
ore is found in the form of " stream tin." 

Almost all the tin has been raised by Chinese miners with 
the most primitive appliances, and although, no doubt, much 
metal has been and is still lost by the imperfection of their 
methods of working, yet at the same time, owing to their 
inexpensive system, land which would not pay Europeans 
to work, has given Chinese a profitable return. 

The tin fields of Larut, which may be taken as typical of 
those of the rest of Perak, form a strip of land of from two 
to three miles broad along the base of a range of granite 
mountains. 

These alluvial flats are composed of layers of clays, sands, 
and gravels, with beds of peat, containing the stumps of trees 
and fallen tree trunks, marking former swamps and levels of 
the plain. 

The tin-bearing stratum rests on a stiff grey or white clay 
bottom, and varies in thickness from a few inches to six or 
eight feet, and even more. Sometimes the stratum is divided 
by a layer of clay. 

The whole of the plains are composed of the detritus of 
the granite and the plseozoic slates and sandstones which form, 
or have formed, the ranges of hills. The tin is not evenly 
distributed over the plains, but is found to follow the lowest 
parts of the clay bed or, in other words, the beds of the 
ancient rivers. The tin-sand is, as a rule coarse-grained near 
the hills and finer as it recedes from them. 

The method of working the mines is to remove the earth 
covering the tin-bearing stratum. This is what is called the 
" over-burden " or " stripping," and varies from three or four 
to 30 feet in thickness. 

The work is usually done by contract in the Chinese mines. 
The tin-bearing layer called the " wash dirt " is then raised 
to the surface and washed with a stream of water in long 
wooden cofiin-shaped boxes. The tin-sand being more than 
twice as heavy as the clay and gravel with which it is mixed, 
stops in the upper part of th box, while the lighter parts are 
carried away by the stream of water. 

The tin-sand is re-washed by hand in large wooden dishes, 
and is then sold to the smelters or exported. 



Federated Malay States. 55 

The wash contains about one or two per cent, of ore as an 
average. There are portions of it which contain sometimes 
as much as twenty-five per cent, and on the other hand, very 
poor parts which hardly pay for the trouble of washing. 

The shifting and raising of the earth in the mines is all 
done by digging with large hoes called Changkols, and the 
earth is then filled into baskets, two of which are carried by 
each man by means of a yoke or stick over his shoulder. 
The water is pumped from most of the mines by Chinese 
overshot water-wheels, and endless chain pumps. In the 
larger mines steam engines are used in conjunction with 
centrifugal pumps. 

Mining by means of small vertical shafts is carried on to 
a considerable extent by the Chinese. It is only possible on 
dry hilly ground. A deep mine is at work at Tronoh with 
both vertical and inclined shafts, with steam pumps, winding 
apparatus and buddies, but it is doubtful if it is alluvium 
which is being mined. 

In the year 1892 the first hydraulic mining plant was put 
up at Changkat Pari, but owing to there being an insufiicient 
fall below the sluice the tailings could not get away and it 
was abandoned. The next installation was erected at 
Gropeng, in the same year, and has been in successful 
operation ever since. Other plants have been worked at 
Bruseh and Bentong in Batang Padang. At the present 
time a number of hydraulic sluices are being laid down. In 
this method a jet of water at high pressure is directed 
against the tin-bearing earth, which is washed down by it 
into a long sluice furnished with devices for retaining the 
tin sand ; with a properly made sluice like those at Bruseh, 
about eight men at a shift are sufficient to work it and it 
does the work of about 200 to 250 men. 

The Chinese mines are worked on the truck system, all 
food and other necessaries being supplied by the mine 
owners or money advancers. Some mines are carried on 
which could not pay if the profits from the sale of food to 
the coolies did not come into the advancers' hands. The 
commonest arrangement is called the co-operative system, 
where all the coolies have a share in whatever profit is made 
after repaying the advancers' loans, and settling with him 
for the value of food and other supplies. 

The tin-sand after being re-washed, is smelted in rude 
blast furnaces, charcoal being used as fuel. The loss of tin 
is rather high in the poorer class of ores when treated in 
these Chinese furnaces, and the slag is several times re- 
smelted. A very large proportion of Perak tin is now 



56 Handbook of the 

smelted at the Pulau Brani (Singapore) Smelting Works of 
the Straits Trading Company. The amount so treated in 
1898 was 153,529 pikuls. 

Two reverberatory smelting-houses have been built in 
Larut, one in Kinta, and another in Teluk Anson but none 
of them have succeeded in working so as to cover expenses. 
The difficulty of buying a sufficiency of ore at paying prices, 
to keep the furnaces going, and the refractory nature of the 
highly siKcious slag produced, with consequent serious loss of 
tin, appear to have been the chief causes of these failures. 

Tin lodes have been discovered, and prospecting work has 
been done on several of them ; but it was not until October, 
1889, that the first mine was started at Selama. This mine 
unfortunately proved unsuccessful, as the ore which was 
found in the first instance (and on the strength of which 
work on an extensive scale was undertaken) proved to be a 
mere patch in a piece of rock which had, in ages long past, 
shifted from its original position. 

The rock in the upper part of the Kinta valley is mostly 
limestone, and about twenty lodes have, up to the present 
time, been reported to occur in it. 

The Chinese are working in many places in Kinta the 
upper oxidized portions of lodes, in some cases using steam 
stamps to crush the ore. These mines are each worked by 
several small parties of men, each party with their own 
shaft independent of the others ; the shafts are sometimes 
not more than 12 feet from each other. As soon, however, 
as they come to the undecomposed ore they abandon the work 
and, as usual with Chinese, cover it all up. 

Gold. — Upper Perak, Batang Padang and Kuala Kangsar 
produce a limited quantity of gold. It is associated with 
the tin-sand in the alluvial drifts, as a rule, and the tin-sand 
is re-washed to separate it. There are no statistics to show 
the amount of gold that has been raised up to the present 
time ; some of the tin-sand gives as much as 6 ozs. to the ton, 
and some " wash " recently examined gave 7 dwts. per ton. 
Some quartz leaders showed as much as 132 ozs. of gold per 
ton of rock, but nothing has been done to prove the extent 
of the lode. 

Near Tapah, in Batang Padang, a gold quartz lode has 
been worked to a considerable extent. This mine, known as 
Bukit Mas, had an out-put for 1897 of 1,100 ozs. of gold 
from about 5,250 tons of ore but has since been abandoned, 
the lode on the higher levels proving too poor to work. 



Federated Malay States. 57 

Lead. — Gralena of very good quality has been found. Car- 
bonate and phosphate of lead are also found in considerable 
quantities. The galena is said to carry a paying percentage 
of silver. 

At Asam Kumbang, in Larut, a vein of this mineral has 
been brought to light ; and quite recently it has also been 
found at Plang, at Lahat in Kinta, and Ulu Sa'petang 
in Larut. 

Iron. — Ores of this metal are to be had in many parts of 
the State, but would not pay to work as there is no coal, 
notwithstanding what has been stated to the contrary by 
writers of books of travel. 

Copper. — In the limestone of Kinta, ores of this metal 
have been discovered, as well as at Plang and Selama. In 
Batang Padang native copper occurs in the alluvium 
associated with tin and gold. 

Bismuth. — Native bismuth has been met with in two places 
in Kinta and in Batang Padang. 

Mercury has been found in small quantities in Upper 
Perak and Batang Padang. There is doubt, however, as to 
its origin at the latter place. Native amalgam, that is gold 
and mercury, has been found at Changkat Mamot. This 
place is also in Batang Padang. 

Arsenic. — This metal also exists in Kinta and other 
places associated with tin and lead, and will doubtless pay to 
work as a secondary product. 

Manganese has been found at Sorakai, Talang and Ayer 
Daun Sang, in Kinta. 

Flumlago occurs in Batang Padang and Kinta, but is of 
inferior quality. 

Silver. — All the lead ore is argentiferous, and that of Ulu 
Sa'petang contains from 100 to 200 ozs. of silver per ton. 

Tungsten. — An ore of this metal, called wolfram, has been 
found in many parts of the State, and with the increasing 
demand for it, caused by its use in making the alloy known 
as tungsten-steel, employed for heavy ordnance and other 
purposes, it is possible that some of the deposits of wolfram 
might be worked at a profit. Scheelite, a tungstate of lime, 
has also been found in the Kuala Kangsar district and is 
reported to be plentiful. Wolfram is being exported in 
small quantities from Batang Padang. 

Zinc. — Sulphide of zinc has been recognised in the Ulu 
Sa'petang ore, associated with sulphide of lead, tin and 
mundic, also in Kinta. 



58 Handbook of the 

Sapphires, garnets, and topaz have been discovered in 
Batang Padang, Kinta, and Upper Perak. 

Marble. — There is an abundance of fine marble scattered 
over the State, some of it very handsomely veined with grey, 
red, and black, some again is nearly black, veined with white, 
while other kinds are mottled with different shades of greys 
and olive greens, and in Kinta there is some pure white 
marble. 

A company has been formed to work the marble at 
Gunong Cheroh near Ipoh in Kinta. Large works have 
been erected and steam machinery is being employed to cut 
it up and polish it. As far as can be seen now there seems 
to be every prospect of this industry being a success, as the 
marble is pronounced by the ItaHan foreman to be of 
excellent quality. 

Granite. — The granitic ranges of which so large a portion 
of Perak consists afford an unlimited store of this useful 
stone. The granite that is worked near Taipeng and at 
Bukit Gantang is of a grey colour, and rather large grained. 
It is quarried for roadmakiDg, Blake's crusher being used to 
reduce it ; blocks are also cut for building purposes, culverts 
and landmarks. The work is principally carried on by 
convicts, a quarry having been opened near the gaol at 
Taipeng with a tramway running into the gaol yard, where 
the rough blocks of stone are dressed. Some handsome red 
and green granite occurs in Batang Pedang. 

China Clay. — In most of the tin fields of Perak the stratum 
underlying the " wash " or tin-bearing deposit, is pure white 
China clay or kaolin. 

There must be many millions of tons of this material in 
Perak, but it is doubtful if it could be worked with profit, on 
account of the cost of transport to Europe. If Chinese 
potters could be induced to start works here, a large trade 
might be carried on with such fine material to work upon, 
and white firebricks could be made of the refuse. 

Bricks are made from the same stuff in Cornwall, in the 
China clay works, and sell for a high price, being used both 
as fire and as ornamental building bricks. 

Brick Earth. — Plenty of good brick clay is scattered over 
the country, and the material for making fire-bricks is also 
to be had in abundance, as mentioned above. 

Very fair bricks are now made in Perak, and sell for about 
$7 per 1,000 ; but they are small, and like everything of 
Chinese manufacture, they are susceptible of great improve- 
ment ; and when the clay is weathered, well mixed, and 



Federated Malaij States, 



moulded, and the bricks are equally burned, they will be of 

excellent quality. 

Tiles are now being made at Chenderiang in Batang 
Padang, and are of much better quality than the Malacca tiles, 
being harder, less absorbent, and of a better shape. Very 
good tiles are also being made at Batu Grajah, Kinta. 

The railway contractors have been turning out excellent 
machine-made bricks in Batang Padang, Kinta, and Larut, 
and a Chinaman in Krian makes good machine-moulded tiles. 

Pottery. — The manufacture of pottery is nearly confined to 
the Malays, and is only carried on in a small way in two or 
three districts. It is unglazed, or only glazed with damar on 
the lower part. Some of the shapes are very graceful. The 
patterns are pressed into the work by means of stamps, and 
tools are used to produce dots and lines. Eaised work is also 
employed in decorating the ware, being put on in strips after 
the vessels are formed. Stamped raised work does not seem 
to be employed, and the potters wheel has not yet been 
introduced amongst the Malays. 

Coarse earthenware cooking pots are made to a limited 
extent in Larut by Indian and Chinese potters. 

Posts and Telegraphs. — The following return of the covers Posts and 
which passed through the post offices in Perak since 1881 TeUgraphs. 
show what rapid strides the country is making : — 



1881 


17,327 


1883 


102,963 


1886 


202,646 


1891 


536,115 


1893 


1,027,166 


1895 


2,057,023 


1900 


4,600,904 



Nineteen thousand four hundred and sixty-five Money 
Orders were issued from Perak post offices, to the amount of 
$583,743 in 1900, payable in Perak, India, Ceylon, the 
Straits, other Native States, China, Japan, etc., while 8,090 
Money Orders, to the amount of $174,312, were paid in the 
State. Postal orders are also issued for payment in England. 

Until the year 1884 the only telegraph lines in existence 
in the State were those running between Matang, Taiping, 
and Kuala Kangsar, a total distance of 26 miles. Since then 
new lines have been erected, until now (1900) the total length 
of telegraph and telephone wires in use is 680 miles, exclusive 
of the railway lines, connection with the outside world being 
made through Penang on the north side and through 



60 



Sandhook 0/ the 



Uoads. 



Buildings. 



Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Malacca to the south. There 
are 19 post and telegraph offices, and nine where ordinary 
postal work is transacted by railway station-masters and 
district office clerks. During 1900, over 800,000 telegrams 
were sent over the Perak lines. 

Roads. — There is a metalled cart-road from Selama, in the 
north of the State, to Sungkai in the south. It passes 
through Kamunting, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, over the 
Enggor pontoon bridge, through Ipoh, Sungei Baia, Gropeng, 
Kuala Dipang, Kampar, and Tapah. The principal branches 
of this main road are that at Bukit Putus, which connects 
Krian and Province Wellesley, the old Matang road, the road 
from near Ohangkat Jering to Trong and the Bindings, from 
near Padang Pengas to Kota Tampan in Upper Perak, from 
Ipoh to Batu Grajah through Lahat, with a branch to Tronoh 
and Blanja ; from Gopeng to Kota Bharu, from Tapah to 
Chanderiang, and another up the Oheroh valley, and lastly, 
one to connect the town of Tapah with the Kinta Yalley 
Eailway. There is also a metalled cart-road from Tanjong 
Malim to Slim. In all, there are 482 miles of metalled cart- 
roads, 104 miles of unmetalled cart-roads, and 548 J miles of 
bridle-paths, making a total mileage of 1,234J. 

These roads are surfaced with granite or limestone, and 
are for the most part always in excellent order. 

A large number of important public buildings have been 
constructed in the various district headquarters, but the 
principal buildings are erected at Taiping, the capital of the 
State, and Batu Gajah, the chief town of Kinta. Of these 
the following may be mentioned : the Prison (where perma- 
nent wards on the separate system have been constructed). 
Hospitals (with accommodation for 2,000 patients). Barracks, 
Markets, Police Stations, Court-house, Treasury, Post and 
other Grovernment Offices. At Taiping there is a handsome 
and replete Museum of which the State is justly proud. 
Water- works supply the town of Taiping, the gaol, hospitals 
and other buildings with excellent water in ample quantity. 
Water-works have also been constructed in Lower Perak for 
the supply of the port of Teluk Anson, in Krian for the 
supply of Parit Bun tar, and in Kinta for the supply of Ipoh. 

The line, which is of metre gauge, was commenced in 1881, 
when a trial trace was made between Port Weld (then known 
as Sa'petang) and Taiping, the chief town of Larut, where 
the headquarters are. The jungle was felled and the line 
was commenced in the following year. Owing to the 
unstable character of the ground, which is very swampy, 



Federated Malay States, 61 

large quantities of earth had to be taken from Taiping to 
form the embankment. The line was opened for traffic on 
the 1st of June, 1885, the port being now only half-an-hour's 
distance from Taiping. A week-day service of steamer 
communication is kept between Port Weld and Penang, the 
journey occupying about six hours. 

An extension from Taiping to Kamunting was opened in 
May, 1890, and to Ulu Sa'petang in June, 1892, a further 
section being opened for traffic in September, 1899, to 
Pondok Tanjong ; construction is in progress towards 
Bagan Serai. Prom Bagan Serai the line was opened to the 
Krian river on the 1st November, 1899, a distance of 
11 miles, passing Parit Buntar ; north of Parit Buntar is 
the Province Wellesley Section, an extension of 23 miles, 
which has been constructed by the Perak Grovernment : 
seven miles of this was opened for traffic in July, 1899, by 
His Excellency the late Grovernor, Sir Charles BuUen Hugh 
Mitchell, between Prai and Bukit Mertajam. The remaining 
portion of this section has since been completed. 

A service of Eailway Ferry Steamers plies between Penang 
and the railway terminus at Prai. 

The lower portion of the Kinta Yalley line between 
Teluk Anson and Batang Padang was opened by the 
Governor, Sir Cecil Smith, on the 18th of May, 1893, and 
was completed as far as Chemor in 1896, a further extension 
to Enggor being opened for traffic in 1898. This line starts 
from the port of Teluk Anson in Lower Perak and passes 
through Batang Padang to Batu Grajah, and thence to Ipoh, 
Chemor, Enggor, and Padang Pengas, the portion open for 
traffic being 87 miles in length. The survey has been 
completed between TapaliEoad and Tanjong Malim, passing 
Bidor, Sungkai and Slim, the junction with the Selangor 
Government Railway being at Tanjong Malim ; the con- 
struction of this line is in progress and is about 44 miles 
in length. 

From Padang Rengas to Taiping the work of construction 
is in progress. The bridge over the Perak Eiver, which was 
opened in 1900, has seven spans of 150 feet in length, at a 
height of 40 feet from the river bed ; from thence the line 
passes to Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Bukit Grantang, 
Changkat Larut, and Ayer Kuning, to Taiping ; the whole 
of this section is under construction. The section over the 
Gapis Pass is exceptionally heavy, it being necessary to 
make four tunnels ; very hard granite has been met 
with throughout. 
5 



62 



Handbook of the 



When the lines now under construction have been com- 
pleted, there will be a trunk line running from the 
Prai terminus in Province Wellesley, through the entire 
length of the State, connecting with the Selangor Govern- 
ment Railway at Tanjong Mahm on the Inter-State 
boundary. Connected with this line there will be two 
branches, namely, the present sections of line from Taiping 
to Port Weld and from Tapah Road to Teluk Anson. The 
two ports of the State will thus be in touch by railway with 
the main trunk line. 

The Education both of European and native children is 
well cared for by the Grovernment of Perak. At Taiping 
there is an excellent English school, under the charge of an 
English headmaster and a competent staff of assistants. Also 
a school for girls, maintained and managed by the members 
of the American Episcopal Mission. 

Yernacular schools for Malay boys are established in every 
town and village of the State, and also at other country centres 
where it is possible to get together thirty or forty pupils from 
the neighbourhood. The Malays most readily avail them- 
selves of these facilities for the education of their boys, but it 
is a matter of greater difficulty to obtain their consent to the 
attendance of their girls at school. Grirls' schools have 
however been established at one or two centres, where sewing, 
weaving, and other feminine accomplishments are taught, 
but it is unlikely that the attendance of native girls at 
Glovernment schools will ever become general. 

Nor has the Grovernment been unmindful of the needs of 
the children of immigrant nationahties, Chinese and Tamils, 
although they have no such claim upon the State as the 
children of the Malay. There are schools in which such 
children can obtain elementary education in their own 
language from a teacher of their own nationality. 

All the districts of the State have been furnished by the 
Grovernment with very efficient hospitals in the charge of 
resident European surgeons and an adequate staff of Eurasian 
assistants. In these establishments all members of the 
community, of whatever nationality, are received and treated, 
and additionally there is in Taiping a hospital specially 
maintained for the accommodation of European patients. 
The surgeons on the hospital staff are well up in all the latest 
developments of medical science, and all patients receive most 
skilled and careful treatment, in most cases free of charge. 

The State is well provided with the means of recruiting 
health by a change to cool air from the torrid atmosphere of 



Federated Malay States. 63 

the plains. Upon the range of mountains which overlooks 
Taiping there are situated two bungalows known as "Maxwell's 
Hill " and " The Tea Grardens," at approximate elevations of 
4,000 feet and 3,000 feet respectively. These buildings are 
the property of the Grovernment and are maintained for the 
accommodation of Europeans for prescribed periods at 
reasonable charges. Accommodation of the same description 
is provided for the community of the southern portion of the 
State upon Grunong Kledang, one of the range of hills which 
divides the valleys of the Perak and Kinta rivers. These 
Sanitaria are all approached by good bridle paths, constructed 
at convenient gradients and very efficiently upkept, which 
permit of the use of riding horses, or of chairs carried 
by coolies for the benefit of those for whom active exercise is 
undesirable. In addition to the above-mentioned buildings, 
the Resident-Greneral and the British Resident of Perak have 
private bungalows provided for their use by Grovernment, 
upon the Taiping Hills, but these are, of course, not available 
for other persons. 

The conservancy of the towns and villages in the State is Conservancy. 
entrusted to Sanitary Boards, the members of which are 
nominated by the Grovernment. A certain number are 
Grovernment officers, and the remainder are selected from 
among the principal members of the European and native 
communities. 

The prisons of the State are constructed upon the most Prisons. 
modern lines, with separate cell accommodation for a large 
number of convicts, and are administered in accordance with 
the most efficient rules of prison discipline by an experienced 
staff of European gaolers and warders, assisted by a body of 
native assistant warders. Many useful forms of industrial 
work are undertaken in the prisons. The articles manu- 
factured are of uniformly excellent quality, and command a 
ready sale to the public at remunerative prices. 

Escapes from the prisons of the State are of comparatively 
rare occurrence. 

All the principal industrial and social centres of the State Districts and 
are now approachable by good roads, and in most instances also Towns. 
by railway, and whether the traveller chooses to enter Perak 
by way of Penang from the north, Teluk Anson from the 
south, or Port Weld in the centre, he will find facilities for 
passing rapidly and easily to almost any part of the State 
which he may desire to visit. Communication between 
Penang and the Perak ports is maintained by daily trips of 
5a 



64 Handbook of the 

local steamers, and the vessels of the Straits Steamship 
Company run between Teluk Anson and Singapore about 
three times a week, touching en route at the ports of the 
Southern States. 

The commerce of the State is not centralised in any one 
principal town, but is distributed in different localities. 
Taiping, the capital, which is reached most easily by railway 
from Port Weld, is the headquarters of the Grovernment, and 
is also the centre of what was once the most important 
mining district in the State, but is now in this respect of 
very secondary importance. 

The town of Kuala Kangsar, which is situated upon a most 
picturesque stretch of the Perak River, is the place of 
residence of His Highness the Sultan, for whom an Astana 
or palace of imposing appearance and dimensions was erected 
there a few years ago at the cost of the State. 

The district of Kinta is by far the most important in the 
State. It may be roughly described as being comprised in 
the valley of the Kinta Eiver, a tributary of the Perak Eiver. 
It includes within its limits the important mining and com- 
mercial towns of Ipoh, Batu Gajah and Kampar, besides 
others of less note, and it is here that the greater portion of 
the tin exported from the State is obtained. 

It is quite possible that the stanniferous prosperity of 
Kinta may at no distant date be emulated by the adjoining 
district of Batang Padang, of which no such thorough 
exploitation has been made as has been accomplished in 
Kinta. These two districts, together with the more remote 
and untried area of Upper Perak, comprise the source from 
which the principal supplies of Perak tin are and will be 
drawn. 

The seaboard districts of Lower Perak, Matang and Krian 
have few or no temptations to offer to the miner, and it is 
here that agriculture appears as the prominent industry. 

The rice fields of Krian have been noted for many years, 
and are of very extensive area. The Malay cultivators have 
usually macaged to obtain excellent crops in spite of their 
dependence upon atmospheric conditions. The Grovernment 
have, however, now included a large portion of the rice- 
bearing area in a complete and comprehensive scheme of 
irrigation, and a proportionate improvement in the crops may 
be expected. 

In addition to rice fields there are large sugar estates and 
coconut plantations in these coast districts. Some of the 



Federated Malay States. 65 

most important of these are the results of recent enterprise, 
and may be expected to add materially to the prosperity of 
the State. 

Perak presents opportunities of sport to the gunner, second Sport. 
only in the Federated States to those offered by the State of 
Pahang, and obtainable at the cost of less time, and probably 
of less money, than in the Eastern State. 

The district of Krian has long been noted for its excellent 
snipe shooting, the season for which is usually from about 
the middle of September to the middle of December. It is 
true that in recent years the bags made have not attained 
the plethoric proportions of those made five or six years ago, 
but the number which can now be procured upon a 
favourable day will be sufficient to satisfy all but the most 
insatiable. The decline in numbers is probably attributable 
in part to the better drainage of the land, and in part to the 
increase in the number of sportsmen, for which the new 
railway is responsible. 

In Matang and Lower Perak also very fair snipe shooting 
is to be had in favourable weather, but success depends in no 
small measure in all these districts upon an accurate know- 
ledge of locality upon the part of the sportsman or his 
attendant. A stranger trusting to his own unaided 
intelligence will almost certainly return empty-handed. 

Later in the year, about Christmas time, a very pretty 
mixed bag may be made in a trip down the Perak Eiver from 
Kuala Kangsar to Teluk Anson. Shooting on the islands 
and river banks may result in a bag including snipe, teal, 
golden plover, and two or three varieties of pigeons. 

Those who seek for elephants or bison must go further 
afield into the jungles of Batang Padang or Upper Perak, 
but the distances are usually not great, and a two days^ 
journey will, as a rule, be ample to bring the sportsman 
within the neighbourhood of their haunts. As, however^ 
these animals seldom remain for any length of time in the 
same place, it is essential that every trip should be preceded 
by enquiry from the most reliable native sources as to their 
present whereabouts. 

There are excellent cricket grounds at Taiping and Ipoh, 
which are periodically the scenes of most interesting local 
matches. Grrounds of minor excellence, but of practical value, 
are to be found in most of the towns which form the head- 
quarters of the various districts. The game is played with 



66 Sandhook of the 

enthusiasm, in no way lessened by the heat of the 
mid-day sun. 

Association football has taken very firm hold throughoul 
the Peninsula, the natives being particularly enthusiastic 
about it, both as performers and spectators. There are ver;^ 
few stations in which the game may not be indulged ir 
once or twice a week. 

Grolf and lawn tennis are played at most stations, and 
there is no part of the State in which the well-kept roadj 
are not a temptation to the bicyclist. 

Grentlemen whose inclinations do not tend towards active 
exercise will find the usual indoor games in the station clubs 
which are a general rendezvous from six to eight in the 
evenings. 



Federated Malay States. 67 



PAET III. 



SELANGOR. 



His Highness the Sultan : 
Raja Suleiman bin Almerhom Raja Musa 

British Resident : Henry Conway Belfield. 

Secretary to the Resident . . Douglas Gordon Campbell. 

Senior Magistrate . . . F. Duberley. 

State Auditor . . . . F. W. Talbot. 

State Engineer. . . . Patrick B. McGlasiian. 

THE COUNCIL OF STATE. 

His Highness Suleiman bin Almerhom Raja Musa, Sultan 
OF Selangor, President. 

The British Resident : Henry Conway Belfield. 

The Secretary to the Resident : Douglas Gordon Campbell. 

His Highness the Raja Muda : Raja Laut. 

Raja Hassan. 

Raja Haji Bot. 

Saiyid Mashor. 

George Gumming, Esq. 

The Capitan China of Selangor. 

Clerk of Council : The Assistant Secretary to the Resident 

BRITISH RESIDENTS. 

1. J. Guthrie Davidson January 20th, 1875. 

2. Capt. Bloomfield Douglas November 20th, 1875. 

3. F. A. Swettenham, CM G. October 2nd, 1882. 

J. P. Rodger (acting) February 8th, 1884, to Jan- 

uar7 8th, 1888. 



68 



Sandhooh of the 



4. W. E. Maxwell, C.M.G. 
J. P. Rodger (acting) 

F. G. Penney (acting) 

5. W. H. Treacher, C.M.G. 
E. W. Birch (acting) 

6. J. P. Rodger (acting) 

H. Conway Belpield (acting) 

J. P. Rodger (resumed appoint- 
ment) 

H. Conway Belpield (acting) 

LiEUT.-CoL. F. R. S. Walker, 
C.M.G. (acting) 

H. Conway Belpield (acting) 

Hugh Clippord, C.M.G. (acting) 

7. E. M. Merewether 

8. H. Conway Belpield 



June 1st, 1889. 

April to December, 1891. 

April 3rd, 1892. 

March 17th, 1892. 

May 9th, 1892, to January 
10th, 1893. 

October 7th, 1894 ; con- 
firmed July, 1896. 

April 5th to July 4th, 1897, 
and from October 4th, 
1897, to April 21st, 1898. 

April 22nd, 1898. 

April 5th, 1899, to Sep- 
tember 28th, 1899. 

September 29th, 1899, to 
January 1st, 1901. 

January 2nd, 1900, to Sep 
tember 24th, 1901. 

September 25th, 1901. 

December 13th, 1901, to 
August 17th, 1902. 

August 18th, 1902. 



Geographical Selangor, the second in importance of the four Federated 
description. Malay States, is situated on the western side of the Malay 
Peninsula, in the central and broadest part. 

The total area is estimated at about 3,200 square miles, 
extending from north latitude 2°33'52" to 3°48'46", and 
from east longitude 100°46'57" to 102°0'53". 

The coast line extends for about 125 miles along the 
Straits of Malacca. 

Selangor is bounded on the north by Perak, on the east 
and south-east by Pahang and Negri Sembilan, and on the 
west and south-west by the Straits of Malacca. 



Physical 



The rivers of the State are the Bernam River, which forms 
the boundary between Perak and Selangor, and the Selangor, 
Klang, and Langat Rivers. All these streams have their 
origin in the hilly country adjoining the main range of 
mountains, and puriiue a westerly course until they fall into 
the Straits of Malacca. The mouths of all except the Klang 
River are rendered difficult of access from the sea by the 



Federated Malay States. 69 

existence of sand bars, and entrance can only be effected by 
vessels of shallow draft handled by men of local experience. 
Once inside the bar, however, vessels can ascend for some 
miles. In the case of the Klang Eiver, the islands situated 
at its mouth have kept the waterway clear, and vessels of 
ocean-going calibre can go alongside the wharves at Port 
Swettenham, which is situated at the mouth of the river. 
With the exception of the mountains on the backbone range 
of the Peninsula, which forms the eastern boundary of the 
State, there are no hills of great magnitude. The peaks on 
the range, however, attain in some instances an altitude of 
over 5,000 feet. 



Geologically the surface of Selangor is made up of five (Geology. 
distinct formations. 

The most prominent of these is granite, which constitutes 
the main range of hills forming the eastern boundary of the 
State. This formation is also indicated by isolated outcrops, 
notably at Jugra and Kuala Selangor on the coast, wliere in 
each case a solitary granite hill stands out from the extended 
alluvial deposit. Occasional outcrops of granite also occur 
between the main range and the coast. 

Moving westerly from the main granite hills this forma- 
tion gives place to quartzite, the result of induration by the 
granite of older sandstones. 

The remains of what was once an extensive limestone 
formation exist in a few limestone crags at the foot of the 
granite range, and in places in the inland districts beneath 
the alluvial granite drifts, at depths of from 1 to 100 feet, 
between the granite and quartzite belts. The limestone hills 
are generally cavernous, and in some instances the caves are 
of considerable size and beauty. 

Lying above the quartzite are found clayslates and schists 
of great age, occurring extensively on low rolling hills 
throughout the middle third of the State. 

Nearer the coast these give place to sandstones and clay- 
slates. 

The greater part of the coastal area consists of recent 
alluvial flats and swamps with overlying patches of peat of 
varying depth from I to 10 feet. When cleared of jungle 
and drained the peat is slowly converted into a rich loamy 
soil. In these alluvial deposits beds of crumbling bivalve 
shells, similar to those now occurring on the sea beach, have 



70 



Handbook of the 



been found, and also evidences of former mangrove swamps 
at a distance of several miles from the sea shore, and at a 
depth of from 3 to 10 feet, indicating former positions of the 
coast line. 

In the tin-bearing drift in the inland districts a bed of 
black loamy clay is found at a depth of 10 to 20 feet, carry- 
ing fossils of leaves, twigs, and branches of trees, and 
appears to be of recent formation. 

Other than these no fossil remains have been found in 
Selangor. 

At the mouth of the Klang River, in sinking cylinder 
foundations for wharves, large pieces of well-preserved wood 
have been found at a depth of 100 feet. 

Near the coast the banks of rivers are generally mangrove 
mud swamps, which at the mouth are being gradually 
extended seawards. At other parts the beach consists of a 
clean sand. In places there is evidence of an appreciable 
erosion of the above line where the beach is sandy. 

The surface of the lower undulating country throughout 
the State is generally of a soft loamy nature, well adapted for 
agricultural purposes. Grenerally masses of ferruginous rock 
occur disseminated throughout the surface loam at a depth of 
about 5 to 30 feet, varying in size from gravel to masses of 
several tons weight. In composition it varies from coarse 
sandstone through argillaceous ironstone to almost pure 
limonite and haematite. In general it may be classed as 
laterite. It forms a very rich source of iron, but, owing to 
the entire absence of coal, could not be worked economically. 

What has been written on this subject in Part II., con- 
cerning Perak, may be taken as equally applicable to 
Selangor. 

1. The total population of the State in 1891 and 1901 was 
as follows : — 



Population. 


1891. 


1901. 


Males 


67,051 


136,823 


Females 


14,541 


131,966 



Total.. 



81,592 



\ 

168,789 



2. The total increase in population since 1891 is 87,197 or 
106-8 %. This increase in males is 69,772 or 104 % and in 
female?. 17,425 or 119%. 



Federated Malay States. 71 

3. The increases amongst Europeans, Americans and other 
nationalities are as follows : — 

Europeans and Americans ... ... 321 

Malays and other Natives of the 

Archipelago 14,062 

Chinese ^ ... 58,754 

Tamils and other Natives of India . . . 13,255 

Eurasians ... ... ... ... 413 

Other Nationalities ... ... ... 392 

4. The following tahle gives the figures of comparison with 
the Census of 1891 :— 

Increase 
Nationality. 1891. 1902. per cent. 

Europeans and Americans .. . 190 511 168'9 
Malays and other Natives 

of the Archipelago . . .26,578 40,640 52-9 

Chinese 50,844 109,598 115-5 

Tamils and other Natives of 

India 3,592 16,847 369 

Eurasians 167 580 247-3 

Other NationaHties 221 613 177-3 

The increases amongst the European and Eurasian popu- 
lation are worthy of comment in that they point to the great 
prosperity of the State in the last ten years, and in view of 
that prosperity they are by no means abnormal. 

Amongst the two great immigrant races enormous increases 
are noticeable. Tamils have increased fourfold and the 
Chinese have doubled themselves, and this is, in each case, 
due to the balance of immigration over emigration, for the 
few children of these two races who have been born in the 
State are comparatively negHgible. 

During the past ten years the cultivation of coffee, rubber, 
etc., has greatly increased and caused an increased demand 
for Tamil labour and the extension of the railway system has 
also had a great influence on Tamil immigration. 

Klang was one of the nine States, or Negri Sembilan, a con- mstory. 
federation of little settlements formed by Sumatra Malays who 
intermarried with the aborigines. The Sakei element is, to 
this day, strong in this part of the Peninsula. The chief of 
Klang was called the To'Ungku Klang, and appears to have 
been independent until the Bugis established themselves at the 
mouth of the Selangor Eiver in the beginning of the 18th 
entu^-y. Since then, Klang has gradually been absorbed in 



72 Handbook of the 

the State of Selangor, under the Chiefs of Bugis origin who 
created a Sultanate there. 



{Extract from Residents Report for 1889.) 

" It is related in native chronicles that Upu Tanderi Burong, 
a Bugis Raja in the Island of Celebes (the third son of the first 
Bugis Raja who embraced Mohammedanism) had five 
sons : — 

" (1). — Daing Perani, from whom (by his marriage in Sian- 
tan) the reigning family of Siak in Sumatra are descended. 
He also married princesses of the reigning Malay families in 
Johore, Selangor, and Kedah. 

" (2). — Daing Menimbun, from whom the Rajas of Ponti- 
anak, Matan and Brunei are descended. 

'* (3). — Kalana Faya Putra alias Daing Merewah, first 
Yan-di-per-Tuan Muda of Riouw. He married a daughter 
of Tumonggong Abdul Jalil, of Johore His son, Klana 
Inche IJnak, married in Selangor, and his daughter became 
the wife of her cousin Daing Kamoja, the son of Daing 
Perani (No. 1), and third Tang-di-per-Tuan Muda of 
Riouw. 

" (4). — Daing Chela or Daing Palai second Yang-di-per- 
Tuan Muda of Riouw. He married a daughter of Sultan 
Abdul Jalil (sister of Sultan Suleiman Badr-alam Shah) of 
Johore, and from the female issue of this marriage. Sultan 
Hussein of Singapore (1819) was descended. One of the 
sons of Daing Chela, Raja Lumu, became the first Yang-di- 
per-Tuan of Selangor. From him the reigning family of 
Selangor is descended. Another, Raja Haji, was the fourth 
Yang-di-per-Tuan Muda of Riouw, and fell in battle at 
Malacca, fighting against the Dutch in 1784. 

" (5). — Diang Kamasi married the sister of the Sultan of 
Sambas (Borneo), and his descendants have remained there. 

" Of these five Chiefs, Nos. 1, 3, and 4, established them- 
selves in Selangor about 1718, and Raja Lumu, the son of 
No. 4, was left there as ruler of the country. The principal 
head-quarters of the Bugis was Riouw, and about this time 
they made piratical raids upon all the Western Malay States, 
one after another. Raja Lumu of Selangor, on the occasion 
of a visit to Perak, about 1743, was formally invested by the 
Sultan of Perak (Mahmud Shah) with the dignity ■^of Sultan, 



Federated Malay States, 73 

and took the title of Sultan Salaeddin Shah. His successor 
Sultan Ibrahim (in 1783) joined with his brother Eaja Haji, 
the Yang-di-per-Tuan Muda of Eiouw, in an attack upon the 
Dutch in Malacca. They were repulsed, and Raja Haji 
was killed. The Dutch under Admiral Yan Braam then 
attacked Selangor and the Sultan fled inland and escaped to 
Pahang. 

" Ibrahim, aided by the Dato Bandahara of Pahang, re- 
conquered his fort from the Dutch in 1785, but the latter 
immediately blockaded Kwala Selangor with two ships-of-war, 
and after this blockade had lasted more than a year, the Sultan 
accepted a treaty by which he acknowledged their sovereignty 
and agreed to hold his kingdom of them. 

*' British political relations with Selangor commenced in 
1818, when a commercial treaty was concluded with this 
State by a British Commissioner, Mr. Cracroft, on behalf of 
the Grovernor of Penang, and this was followed by ' an agree- 
ment of peace and friendship ' concluded with Sultan Ibrahim 
Shah, who was still reigning. 

" Sultan Mohammed succeeded Sultan Ibrahim about the 
year 1826, and reigned until 1856. He was succeeded in 
the following year by Sultan Abdul Samad, the present 
Euler. 

" Sultan Abdul Samad, is the son of Paja Dolah, a younger 
brother of Sultan Mohammed, and, at the time of the death 
of the latter, held the rank and office of Tunku Panglima 
Besar (Commander-in-Chief). His election to the sovereignty 
was chiefly the work of Paja Juma'at, of Lukut, then a 
flourishing mining settlement, now decayed and abandoned, 
who feared the exactions of the late Sultan's family. Sultan 
Mohammed had no less than 19 children, many of them 
illegitimate, and one of them, Paja Mahmud (now Penghulu of 
Ulu Semonieh, a village in Selangor), had been recognised as 
Paja Muda in his father's lifetime. He was only eight years 
old when Sultan Mohammed died. There were other claimants 
in the persons of various nephews of the late Sultan, sons of 
Paja IJsup and Paja Abdurrahman, who thought their rights 
stronger than those of the sons of Paja Dolah. But the 
influence of Paja Juma'at prevented a war of succession. 

" The strong Bugis element in Selangor earned for the 
people of the State, in early days, the reputation of being the 
most daring and formidable of all the Malays on the West 
coast of the Peninsula. Their fleets were successful in Perak 
and Kedah (Alor Star in Kedah was taken and burned in 



74 Handbook of the 

1770), and in a work published fifty years ago, Selangor is 
quaintly described as follows : — ' of all the Malayan States 
on the Peninsula, it labours under the heaviest mala fama on 
the score of piracy, man-stealing, manslaughter, and similar 
peccadilloes of the code of Malayan morals.' 

" Of the Malay population of the State at the present date 
there is little to say, except to emphasize the contrast noted 
by an eminent authority between ' the frank simplicity and 
humour, harmonising well with a certain grave dignified 
self-possession and genuine politeness, which characterise 
the manner of the Malays of Kedah, and the sinister and 
impudent bearing of the maritime and semi-piratical Malay 
of the South.' 

" There is now a large population of settlers from Sumatra 
and Java, who are influencing materially the character of the 
Mohammedan population." 

The series of struggles between various native chiefs which 
brought the State under the more immediate notice of the 
British Grovernment at Singapore, commenced in the year 
1867, when Tunku Ziya-ed-Din, a brother of the Sultan of 
Kedah, married a daughter of the Sultan of Selangor, and 
was appointed by him to be his viceroy. The authority of 
Tunku Ziya-ed-Din was not recognised by Eaja Mahdi, a 
grandson of the late Sultan of Selangor, and a fierce contest 
was waged between these two Chiefs from 1867 to 1873. The 
Sultan was powerless to put an end to this prolonged strife, 
in which not only Malay Rajas, but even Chinese miners took 
an active part, and the struggle was carried on, with varying 
success, until 1873, when the Bendahara of Pahang, at the 
instance of the Grovernment of the Straits Settlements, sent 
assistance to Tunku Ziya-ed-Din, by means of which he was 
enabled to obtain a complete victory over the rebels, and at 
least a temporary cessation of hostilities. 

The occurrence of an atrocious case of piracy off the Langat 
River in the following year led to the direct intervention of 
the British Government, and shortly afterwards, at the 
request of the Sultan, Sir Andrew Clarke, then Governor of 
the Straits Settlements, sent Mr. J. Guthrie Davidson, first 
Resident of Selangor, and Mr. F. A. Swettenham (the 
present Governor of the Straits Settlements and High 
Commissioner for the Federated Malay States), an officer 
of the Straits Settlements, to assist the Sultan in the 
administration of the Government, since which time (1874) 
the peace of the State has not been disturbed, and its pros- 
perity has steadily increased. 



Federated Malay States. 



75 



The total revenue for the years 1899 and 1900 amounted Revenue and 
to $6,692,830 and $6,303,165 respectively. The principal ^^penditure 
sources of revenue being Customs, Excise, Railways and 
Land. The expenditure for the same periods was $3,414,551 
and $4,944,160, the principal items being Estabhshments, 
Public Works and Railways. 

The balance to the credit of the State on January 1st, 
1901, amounted to $6,663,316, including a loan of $3,000,000 
to the State of Pahang. 

The following trade values were recorded in 1899 and 
1900 :— 

1899. 1900. 



Exports 
Imports 



20,615,597 
17,719,773 



21,798,443 
18,406,570 



The chief exports in 1900, exclusive of tin, of which men- 
tion is made elsewhere, were : — ■ 



Coffee 


... 689,309 


Grambier 


50,150 


Pepper 


89,468 


Blachan and Salt Fish 


... 154,887 



The chief imports were : 



Opium 


... 1,680,910 


Rice 


... 3,527,206 


Live Stock 


... 492,722 


SaltEish 


... 282,138 


Specie and Notes 


... 4,833,830 



The only import duties charged are those upon opium and 
spirituous Hquors. 

The export duty on tin varies from 10'94 per cent, when 
tin is at $96 per bhara to 13"33 per cent, with tin at $210 
per bhara. This duty is payable on alluvial tin only, the 
duty on lode tin being fixed at half the above rates in con- 
sideration of the greater expense in working a lode. 

The duty is reckoned on the price telegraphed daily from 
Singapore — 

One pikul=100 catties=:133i lbs. 
One bhara=:=3 pikuls=400 lbs. 



76 Handbook of the 

Tin is usually exported from Selangor to the smelting 
works in Singapore in the form of unsmelted tin ore, and, 
for the purposes of calculating the duty, is considered to con- 
tain 68 per cent, of tin. 

The export duty upon other natural products, such as 
timber, rattans, gutta, and ivory is fixed at 10 per cent. 
ad valorem. Upon cultivated products, such as coffee, pepper, 
copra, sugar, tapioca, and rubber, the maximum duty charged 
is 2J per cent, ad valorem. 

It varies with the market price, and is usually less than 
this figure. 

Every encouragement is offered to planters, and the 
greatest care is taken to prevent the export duty weighing 
too heavily. No duty is charged upon coffee when the 
market price is less than $19 per pikul. 



Agnmiture. As illustrating the increase in production of Liberian 

coffee during the last seven years, the following export 
returns may be of interest : — 



1894. 


2,588 ] 


pikul (1 pikul = 


= 133 lbs.) 


1895. 


4,532 


?j 




1896. 


7,046 








1897. 


12,491 


5 






1898. 


22,948 








1899. 


26,407 








1900. 


34,295 









Unhappily, however, this enormous increase in production 
does not mean in any way proportionate prosperity. The 
over production of the Brazils has brought down the price 
of coffee to a point which, except on a few favoured estates, 
renders its profitable cultivation almost an impossibility. 
Planters have, therefore, almost without exception, intro- 
duced at varying distances apart, coconuts and Para rubber, 
the cultivation of the former, however, being confined almost 
entirely to the rich alluvial flats of the coast district. 
Pecognizing the difficulties under which planters are now 
labouring, the Grovernment, who have the right to exact an 
export duty of 2J per cent, ad valorem on all cultivated 
produce, waive their claim in the case of coffee to this 
tribute, if the price be less than $19 per pikul ; in this and 
many kindred ways planters may always count upon the 
support and sympathy of the Grovernment. 



Federated Malay States. 77 

The systematic cultivation of coconuts by Europeans has 
only of recent years been taken up, and there is a growing 
feeling that with the care and attention which the white man 
bestows upon his estate, existing statistics will ere long be 
shown to be by no means illustrative of the capabilities of 
the Federated Malay States under the most favourable con- 
ditions. There are numbers of instances of coconuts com- 
mencing to blossom when about three years old, and of 
actually bearing fruit before they are four. 

Para Rubber (Hevea Braziliemis). — Several millions of 
these trees have been planted in the States during the 
last three years, when the growing demand for rubber, and 
the success which had attended the planting of a few 
specimens some ten years ago, began to attract the attention 
of planters. Experimental tapping of these older trees has 
proved satisfactory in the extreme ; as much as 12 J- lbs. 
of rubber, worth from 3s. 6d. to 4s. per lb., has been 
extracted in two years from a thirteen year old tree in the 
Penang gardens, without any injury resulting, although this 
particular tree is admittedly a poor specimen and growing on 
wretched soil. 

Gutta Ranibong {Mens Elastica).— This rubber, which is 
indigenous to various parts of the Peninsula, though of 
slightly less value than Para, has also been largely planted, 
and a recent experiment in Perak showed that two 19 year 
old trees, upon which no particular attention had ever 
been bestowed, were capable of yielding 25 lbs. of dry 
marketable rubber each, at a single tapping, and without by 
any means exhausting the trees themselves. 

So far it is to coconuts and the two varieties of rubber 
that planters look to reimburse them for their heavy outlay 
on coffee, but although statistics show that the world's stocks 
of coffee largely exceed demand at present, there are many 
who think that the largely increased sterling value of the 
milrai, in Brazil, must soon bring about a reaction, when the 
cycle of prosperity will again set in ; coffee is therefore being 
for the most part as carefully cultivated still as it was in the 
days when the enterprise was full of promise. 

As a means of reducing expenditure in opening coconut 
and rubber properties, planters are in many cases utilizing 
the land between their young trees by putting in various 
subsidiary cultivations such as bananas, the Chinese yam 
(for which there is always a great demand), vegetables, &c. 
The enterprise and industry of the Chinaman who is always 
ready to take up anything which promises to pay, is now of 
6 



78 



Handbook of the 



great value to tlie planter who desires to make the most of 
his money, for he is able to sublet his land at prices ranging 
from $3 to $10 per acre per annum, whilst upon the China- 
man devolves the duty of keeping the estate free of weeds, 
and the drains in good working order. With the possibility 
of such an arrangement in view, the methodical planter will 
take care that as much of the dead wood remaining on his 
ground as possible after the burn is piled and burnt again 
before he commences to lay out his estate, the ashes of course 
greatly enriching the ground, and the chances of white ants 
and coconut beetles, which breed in rotting timber, and are 
the planters' most deadly enemies, being thus at the same 
time reduced to a minimum. 



Mining. Large quantities of tin continue to be exported annually 

from S clangor. 

The mining revenue for 1900 amounted to $2,806,928 as 
compared with $2,556,765 for 1899. 

There are now some 70,000 Chinese employed exclusively 
in tin mining, each of whom wins an average of 5 cwt. of tin 
per annum, of the gross value of $292. After various 
deductions for taxation, commission, &c., the net earnings 
amount to $160 per coolie per annum. The amount and 
value of tin exported during the last three years is as 
under : — 





1898. 


1899. 


1900. 


Amount 


16,350 tons 


16,000 tons 


15,900 tons 


Value 


$11,916,418 


$17,950,866 


$19,434,562 


Average value per 
Ton 


$724 


$1,178 


$1,246 



The greatest amount exported was in the year 1896, 
amounting to 20,700 tons, valued at $10,824,077, the average 
price of tin being then only $555 per ton. The average tin 
duty for 1900 amounted to 13*47 per cent, ad valorem. 

The tin-ore is found in the form of cassiterite, or oxide of tin. 

It occurs in every conceivable formation, in the stiffest of 
clays to the lightest of sands, from the roots of the grass to 
depths of 250 feet, on the tops of mountains, and in the lowest 
valleys. There are two general methods employed for 



Federated Malay States. 79 

the winning of the tin-ore. When the tin-hearing strata 
occur at any depth up to about 30 feet in the flat valleys it 
is worked open cast, the whole of the over-burden having to 
be removed before the wash dirt is reached. 

At greater depths than 30 feet, except when the tin-bearing 
strata are very regular, the general method employed is to 
sink shafts, and block out the wash dirt. 



There are twelve post offices in Selangor, distributed Posts and 
among the towns and principal villages of the State. At all Telegraphs. 
of these ordinary postal business can be transacted, and 
money orders are obtainable at most of them. 

The telegraph system extends all over the State. There 
are 515 miles of wire. 

Telephones are worked over 196 miles of line, and a tele- 
phone exchange is in operation in Kuala Lumpur, which is 
now to be extended to some of the more populous country 
districts. 



Selangor possesses 570 miles of roads and bridle-paths, of ^oc^ds. 
which 257 miles are first-class metalled roads. The State is 
connected with the Capital towns o£ Pahang and the Negri 
Sembilan, and with the Perak boundary at Tanjong Mahm, 
by roads respectively 120 miles, 57 miles, and ^b miles in 
length. The former of these roads passes over the main 
range of the Peninsula at a height of 2,700 feet. 

The metalled roads have been constructed at an average 
cost of $4,600 per mile, while the annual maintenance 
amounts to some $800 per mile. 

The principal public buildings of the State are situated in Buildings. 
the Capital, Kuala Lumpur, and form striking features in the 
views of the town. The Grovernment Offices are contained in 
an imposing building, erected in the style of the Arabesque 
Eenaissance, with a frontage of 480 feet facing the public 
recreation ground. The Clock Tower in the centre is 130 
feet high. Other important buildings are the Official 
Eesidence of the Eesident-Greneral, the Prison, and the Rail- 
way Station and Offices. 

The town of Kuala Lumpur is supplied with water from an Waterworks. 
impounding reservoir seven miles distant, and estimated to 
6a 



80 



Handbook of the 



be capable of supplying tbe wants of twenty-five thousand 
people. Another set of waterworks is being constructed for 
the purpose of supplying the town of Klang and the 
harbour at Port Swettenham. 



Railways. There are 97 miles of open railway line, and 29 miles 

under construction. The open system connects with Perak 
at Tanjong Malim on the Bernam Piver, and passing south- 
wards through Kuala Lumpur, terminates at present at 
Kajang, whence 29 miles of extension are now being con- 
structed to Seremban, the capital town of the Negri Sembilan. 

A branch line 27 miles in length connects Kuala Lumpur 
with Port Swettenham. 

The depot and goods sheds at Kuala Lumpur are large 
and commodious, and are lighted throughout with electrie 

light. 



Education. Selangor possesses 41 vernacular schools and five English 

schools, the chief of which is the Victoria Institution at Kuala 
Lumpur with a daily attendance of 400 boys. The Institu- 
tion, possessing a staff of qualified English Masters, offers 
every opportunity for acquiring a sound commercial education. 

It is supported by an annual Grovernment Grant and a 
contribution from the rates. 

There are two English girls' schools in Kuala Lumpur 
founded by the enterprise of the Roman Catholic and 
Methodist Missions. No charge is made at the Vernacular 
Schools, but attendance is compulsory for any boy living 
within two miles. At the English Schools a small monthly 
fee is charged. 

A Settlement exclusively for Malays has been started in 
Kuala Lumpur, with the object of collecting in one place an 
exclusively Malay population and to provide technical educa- 
tion in wood-carving, silver work, weaving, tailoring and 
agriculture. 

There are now about 50 families, to each of which a free 
grant of half an acre has been given, but no other assistance. 

The Settlement has a large recreation ground, a mosque, 
houses for the technical education classes and a boarding 
house for Malay boys attending the Victoria Institution. 

Vernacular Schools for boys and girls are in course of 
construction within the grounds of the Settlement. 



Federated Malay States. 81 

There are five surgeons with British qualifications, assisted Hospitals. 
by 53 apothecaries and dressers, in charge of the 17 hospitals, 
providing accommodation for 1,800 patients. All coolies of 
every nationahty are treated free of charge, nearly two-thirds 
of the patients being Chinese mining coolies. 17,963 patients 
were treated during 1900, the death rate being 13*46 per 
cent., or approximately 46 per thousand of the total 
population. 

There is a European ward in Kuala Lumpur, containing 
six beds in charge of two certificated nurses ; a charge of 
$3 per diem is made. 

A Bungalow has been erected at Bukit Kutu, nine miles Sanitaria. 
from Kuala Kubu at an elevation of 3,200 feet. 

It is fully furnished and can be hired for specified periods, 
at a moderate charge. 

There is also a Eest House at the highest point of the 
pass on the road to Pahang (2,700 feet) and two furnished 
Bungalows at the hot springs at Dusun Tua, at all of which 
a beneficial change may be enjoyed at moderate cost. 

Each district possesses a Sanitary Board, composed of Conservancy. 
official and non-official members, to whom the superintendence 
of waterworks, streets, lighting, scavenging, drainage, and 
collection of rates and taxes is entrusted ; careful attention is 
paid to the sanitary arrangements of all the principal towns. 

The State prison, situated at Kuala Lumpur, has been Prisons. 
constructed upon the most modern principles, and is super- 
vised by a staff of experienced European officers. 

Accommodation for 540 prisoners is provided in separate 
cells, and the hospital within the prison walls will contain 40 
patients. 

The town of Kuala Lumpur possesses a most picturesque Public gardens 
public garden, laid out with much taste. Its area exceeds 
170 acres, and it is maintained by Grovernment at a cost of 
about five thousand dollars per annum. 

English flowers and shrubs, as well as the products of 
tropical and sub-tropical countries other than the Malay 
Peninsula, are to be seen in the gardens, in addition to a 
variety of indigenous plants. 



S^ tiandhook of the 

Selangor is divided into six districts, as follows : — 

(i.) Kuala Lumpur, with the town of the same name as its 
principal centre, and the capital of the State. This town is 
the largest in the Federated Malay States, and is the head- 
qfuarters of the Administration of the States as well as of 
that of Selangor. Practically, the whole of the commercial 
industry of this State is centralised in Kuala Lumpur, as 
most of the firms which do business in other districts have 
located their principal offices in the capital. 

This district occupies a conveniently central position in the 
State, the other districts being grouped round it. It con- 
tains within its area a considerable number of the more 
important mining fields, and also of the agricultural estates 
opened by European planters. 

The mining centre of Sungei Besi is the only other im- 
portant town in the district. 

(ii.) Klang, lying to the west of Kuala Lumpur, occupies 
the area between that district and the sea. Its head-quarters 
are situated at the town of the same name, which was, until 
recently, the principal port of the State. Its place as a 
harbour has now been taken by Port Swettenham, situated in 
the same district, but at the mouth of the river, where 
wharves have recently been erected at considerable cost, which 
are capable of accommodating ocean-going steamers. There 
is no mining in Klang worth mentioning, but a large 
proportion of the district is occupied by the coffee and rubber 
estates of European owners. 

(iii.) Ulu Selangor, situated to the north of Kuala Lumpur, 
lies between that district and the Perak and Pahang 
boundaries. It ranks in importance next to the central dis- 
trict, and is the principal centre of the tin mining industry of 
the State. Its principal towns are Kuala Kubu, the head- 
quarters of the local administration, Serendah, Easa and 
Pawang. These are all busy mining towns. 

(iv.) Ulu Langat embraces the country to the south of the 
central district, and extends to the boundaries of the Negri 
Sembilan and Pahang. It is also a mining district of some 
importance. Local head-quarters are situated at the town 
of Kajang. 

(v.) Kuala Langat is a coast district^ occupying the 
southern portion of the coast line of the State. There is 
no mining done here, the principal industries being agri- 
culture and fisheries. Head-quarters are at Jugra, on the 



federated Malay States. 83 

Langat River, which has been for many years past the place 
of residence of His Highness the Sultan. 

(vi.) Kuala Selangor is an extensive district on the 
northern portion of the Selangor coast, lying between the 
district of Klang and the Bernam River. It is only being 
partially opened up at present, and local industry is, as in 
Kuala Langat, confined to agriculture and fishing. There 
are very extensive areas of swampy land, at present almost 
valueless, and capable of improvement only by drainage 
operations of considerable magnitude. 

Headquarters are situated near the mouth of the Selangor 
river. A European company has a coconut oil mill established 
here, which is doing much to promote the planting of this 
excellent palm in this and the neighbouring districts. 

From the town of Kuala Lumpur excellent roads radiate 
into all the districts, supplemented in most cases by the 
railway, so that the facilities for commercial intercourse 
between the capital and all parts of the country leave little 
to be desired. 

The sports obtainable in Selangor are generally similar to Spw-i, 
those which have been described in Part II., but there is 
no snipe shooting here to compare with that obtainable in 
Perak. Other forms of recreation are, however, as eagerly 
and successfully pursued in Selangor as in the northern 
State. 



84 Handhooh of the 



PART IV. 



NEGRI SEMBILAN. 



His Highness The Yang-di-per-Tuan. 

Raja Mohamed, C.M.G., bin Almerhom Yam Tuan Arutah. 

British Resident . . . W. Egerton, C.M.G. 

Senior Magistrate . . . F. Duberley. 

State Auditor . . • . . W. P. Thorpe. 

Superintendent of Public Works H. Caldicott, A.M.I.C.E. 

THE COUNCIL OF STATE. 

His Highness the Yang-di-per-Tuan : President. 

The British Resident : W. Egerton, C.M.G. 

Tunku Muda Chik : 

The Datoh Klana of Sungei Ujong : 

The Datoh Penghulu of Jelehu : 

The Datoh Penghulu of Johol : 

The Datoh Penghulu of Remhau : 

The Datoh Bandar of Sungei Ujong : 

Tunku Dewa, Tampin : 

The Datoh Muda, Linggi : 

Capitan China Lee Sam, : 

Towkay Lam Yong : 

BRITISH RESIDENTS OF SUNGEI UJONG. 

1. Captain P. J. Murray, R.N. ... 1874 to 1881. 

2. W. F. B. Paul 1881 to 1893. 



ileal 
m. 



xxut; UCJ.US in ine v^aiieyo cw-t/ 






cuii iwhido ^™'; 




\ 




REFERENCE oj 




. 






B 


idUFaths ..,..=.- 


R 


Ilway ,>, Eri„mc. 


R 


a„,ayu«d«Cm.truMm ^^_ 



Propoted Railway to Pahang. ___^ 



Proposed Railway to Pahang. 



Johore 




1. v^aPTAIN r. J. iViURRAY, n,.i> . 

2. W. F. B, Paul 



ie; I t v*J i^^ 



1881 to 1893. 



Federated Malay States. 85 

BRITISH RESIDENTS OF THE NEGRI SEMBILAN. 

1. Hon. Martin Lister January 1st, 1895. 

2. Ernest Woodford Birch ... June 4th, 1897, to April 

7th, 1901. 

3. Henry Conway Belfield ... April 8th, 1901, to August 

17th, 1902. 

4. Walter Egerton, C.M.G. ... August 1902. 

The nine small States, which together form the territory Geographical 
known as the Negri Sembilan, comprise an area of about d6s<'^'^ption. 
2,600 square miles extending from longitude 101° 50^ E. to 
longitude 102« 45' E., and from latitude 2" 24' N. to 
latitude 3° 11' N. 

It is bounded on the north and north-west by the States 
of Selangor and Pahang, on the east by Johore, and on the 
south by the settlement of Malacca. On the south-west the 
coast line on the straits of Malacca is thirty miles in length. 

The country is generally undulating and broken by small physical 
hills. The principal mountain range starts in the Jelebu Geography. 
district and runs in a southerly direction for 20 miles to 
Grunong Angsi (3,200 feet), thence S.E., and ends in Grunong 
Tampin (1,800 feet) near the Malacca boundary. The 
highest point of the range is Q-unong Resan, or Telapang 
Burok a little under 4,000 feet. 

The Muar Eiver, which is augmented by the Jelei, Jempol, 
Johol, Gremencheh, and Gremas Rivers, flows through the town 
of Kwala Pilah, and thence through the territory of Muar 
into the Straits of Malacca. The distance from Kwala 
Pilah to the mouth is 120 miles, most of which is navigable 
for small boats. 

There are several smaller rivers, e.g., the Sungei Linggi, 
Sungei Sepang, and Sungei Lukut ; these all flow into the 
Straits of Malacca and are navigable for a few miles for 
small vessels, as is also the Sungei Rembau, a confluent of 
the Sungei Linggi. 

The watershed in the Jelebu district divides the State into 
two bases ; the rivers rising on the South side flow into the 
Straits of Malacca, while the Sungei Triang rises on the 
North side, and after being augmented by several small 
streams (Kenaboi, Pertang, Jeram), flows into the Pahang 
River and so into the China Sea on the East side of the 
Peninsula. Besides these mentioned there are numerous 
small streams by which the rice fields in the valleys are 
irrigated. 



86^ Sandhook of the 

1. The total population of the State in 1891 and 1901 was 
as follows : — 

Population. 1891. 1901. 

Males 40,561 ... 64,565 

Females 24,658 ... 31,463 



Total ... 65,219 ... 96,028 



2. The total increase since 1891 is 30,809 or 47*24 per 
cent. This increase in males is 24,004 or 59*18 per cent., 
and in females 6,805 or 27*6 per cent. 

3. The total increases amongst Europeans, Americans and 
other nationalities are as follows : — 



Europeans, Americans 
Malays and other Natives of the Archi- 
pelago 
Chinese 

Tamils and other Natives of India 
Eurasians ... 
Other Nationalities. . . 



81 

8,455 

17,540 

4,409 

241 

83 



4. The following table gives the figures of comparison 
with the Census of 1891 : — 

Increase 



Nationality. 


1891. 


1901. 


per cent 


Europeans and Ameri- 








cans 


61 .. 


142 . 


. 132*79 


Malays and other Na- 








tives of the Archi- 








pelago 


48,480 . 


. 56,935 . 


. 17-44 


Chinese 


15,391 . 


. 32,931 . 


. 113*96 


Tamils and other Na- 








tives of India 


1,117 . 


. 5,526 . 


. 394*72 


Eurasians 


68 . 


309 . 


. 354*41 


Other Nationalities . . . 


102 . 


185 . 


. 81-38 



The territory now known as the Negri Sembilan was 
originally peopled by the descent of numbers of Sakais from 
the hills, and about the year 1773 a Prince of the true 
Menangkabau blood was obtained to rule over them with 
the title of Yang-di-per-Tuan of Sri Menanti Each State 
still retained its own Datoh or hereditary Chief, but referred 
to the Yam Tuan in all matters of importance. 

The nine States originally consisted of Klang, Sungei 
Ujong, Jelebu, Sri Menanti, Eembau, Johol, Jempol, Inas 
and G-emencheh. 



federated Malay States. S7 

Klailg was the first to leave, being incorporated into the 
State of Selangor, and Simgei Ujong was (1874) separated 
from the others, Jelebu joining Sungei Ujong shortly 
afterwards. 

In 1874 the first Eesident was appointed to Sungei Ujong ; 
this appointment followed a series of disturbances. 

At the close of 1875 there were further disturbances, 
during which the Eesidency was menaced, but since that date 
there has been no further attempt at a rising or inter-state 
fighting. 

In 1883 British protection was extended to Eembau, a 
district lying along the Malacca boundary, to Johol in 1884, 
and to Sri Menanti in 1885. In 1886 a Superintendent was 
appointed to administer Eembau, Tampin, Johol and Sri 
Menanti, together with the small States which went with 
Johol. In 1889 this Officer's title was changed to Eesident 
of the Negri Sembilan, in distinction to the Eesident of 
Sungei Ujong, where a Eesidency had already been estab- 
lished. In 1895 the two Eesidencies were combined under 
an agreement of Confederation between the various States ; 
by this agreement the independence of the ruler of each 
State is guaranteed in respect of the others. The Yang-di- 
per-Tuan of Sri Menanti is, however, regarded as the head 
of the Confederation and was finally installed in this position 
in May, 1898. 

The text of the Agreement of Confederation is as 
follows : — 

"Agreement between the Governor of the Straits 
Settlements, acting on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, 
and the Eulers of certain Malay States hereinafter called the 
Negri Sembilan. 

" In confirmation of various previous written and unwritten 
agreements the Yam Tuan Besar of Sri Menanti, together 
with the Euler of Johol, the Eulers of Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, 
Eembau and Tampin, hereby severally place themselves and 
their States under the protection of the British Government. 

"2. The above-mentioned Eulers of the respective States 
hereby agree to constitute their countries into a Confederation 
of States to be known as the Negri Sembilan, and they desire 
that they may have the assistance of a British Eesident in 
the administration of the Government of the said 
Confederation, and they undertake to follow his advice in all 
matters of administration other than those touching the 
Mohammedan religion. 



88 



Mandhook of the 



" It is to be understood that such arrangement as is now 
agreed upon does not imply that any one Ruler shall 
exercise any other power or authority in respect of any State 
than that which he now possesses. 

" In witness whereof the said Grovernor, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Sir Charles Bijllen Hugh Mitchell, g.c.m.g., and the said 
Yam Tuan Besar of Sri Menanti, together with the Ruler of 
Johol and the Rulers of Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, Remhau and 
Tampin, have signed this Agreement dated the eighth day of 
August the year of Christ One thousand eight hundred and 
ninety-five, and answering to the sixteenth day of Safarthe year 
of the Hedjira One thousand three hundred and twelve." 

The Revenue of the State in 1900 amounted to $1,251,366, 
of this $125,169 was derived from the various items included 
under Land Revenue, while §,803,451 represents customs. 
The latter item of Revenue is derived chiefly from the duty 
on export of tin and tin-ore. 

The Revenue figures for 1900 compared with those for the 
previous three years, show a remarkable increase : — 



1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 



$572,546. 

$701,334. 
$1,085,015. 
$1,251,366. 



The total expenditure for 1900 amounted to $1,009,318, 
as compared with $851,704 for 1899. 

Exports in 1900 amounted to $7,048,988, of which tin 
and tin-ore accounts for $5,338,424, and tapioca $946,507. 

Imports were of the value of $4,281,457, foodstuffs 
amounting to $1,346,623, (rice $794,613), and opium 
$411,184. 

The main agricultural product of the State is rice. The 
rice fields, especially in parts of the Kwala Pilah district and 
in Rembau in the Tampin district, are extensive and fertile. 
Rice cultivation is entirely in the hands of the Malays, who 
do not aim at anything beyond the supply of their own 
needs. There is little trade in home-grown rice, large 
quantities being imported to feed the Chinese and other 
foreigners. Simultaneous transplanting of the young padi 
from the nurseries to the fields is insisted on by Grovern- 
ment, as a safeguard against the destructive attacks of rats 
and other vermin; breaches of the rules controlling padi 



Federated Malay States. 89 

planting are punishable by fine. In the Kwala Pilah 
district alone it is estimated that there are 16,500 acres under 
padi cultivation. 

Tapioca planting has during the last few years been a 
profitable industry, owing to the high prices ruling. In 1900 
126,201 pikuls were exported, the value of which is estimated 
at $946,507. The industry is in the hands of the Chinese 
and is carried on in Kwala Pilah, Tampin and Coast districts. 
Most of the planters hold their land under permits by which 
they are empowered to take three crops, paying duty on 
exportation in lieu of rent. New land, now given out, will 
carry a rent per acre and no duty will be charged on 
exportation. The soil is soon exhausted by tapioca, and 
after three crops have been taken is practically valueless for 
several years : it is then abandoned by owners of permits. 
To prevent this undesirable result in the future it is probable 
that Grovernment will insist on some permanent form of 
cultivation being introduced simultaneously with the plant- 
ing of the tapioca. 

There is now a considerable acreage under coffee : most of 
the estates are in bearing. The large estates are all owned 
or managed by Europeans, and are situated in the Coast, 
Seremban and Tampin districts. The labour consists mainly 
of Tamils from Southern India, but Chinese, Malays and 
Javanese are also employed. 

A coffee-curing factory, the property of a syndicate, has 
been put up at the Port Dickson terminus of the Sungei 
Ujong Eailway. Here the all important process of curing 
is carefully carried out. The interests of the planters are 
watched by the Negri Sembilan Planters Association, which 
meets periodically for the discussion of questions affecting 
the industry. 

The export of coffee in 1900 was 6,207 pikuls ; this amount 
is valued at $117,944, from which it will be seen that the 
prices ruling during that year were very low. 

The climate and soil are well suited for the cultivation of 
Para Rubber {Hevea Braziliensis). There are over 2,000 
acres at present under cultivation, the age of the trees 
varying from 1 to 13 years. The oldest trees (12 to 13 years 
old) have given yields of from 10 to 15 lbs. per tree per 
annum of pure coagulated rubber : these trees are also giving 
large crops of seed annually. 

Getah Ramhong [Ficus Elastiea) is also easily grown from 
cuttings and springs up quickly. There are about 200 acres 



90 



Handbook of the 



under cultivation in the State, age from 1 to 3 years. There 
are as yet no particulars to be had as to yields. 

Gutta Percha (Getah Tahan) the native name for the several 
varieties of Bichopsis from which Grutta is extracted, is the 
most valuable getah known here and is indigenous. The 
trees have been sadly wasted by Malays and Sakais whose 
method of obtaining the getah is by cutting down the whole 
tree. Most of the crop-yielding trees have been thus 
destroyed, but many young trees from 1 to 6 years old are 
growing up in their place. Measures are now being taken to 
prevent further waste of this valuable product. 

Mining. The export of tin-ore in 1900 amounted to pikuls 57,407, 

and of smelted tin to pikuls 14,844, the total value being 
estimated at $5,338,424. 

Mining land alienated in 1900 amounted to acres 3,670, 
the total extent of land alienated for mining in the State 
being acres 15,630. 

The mining is almost entirely in the hands of the 
Chinese, but of recent years several European companies 
have commenced operations. 

In Jelebu there are two European companies which have 
been established for some years. The Jelebu Mining and 
Trading Company are the owners of the Ehin lode mine 
near Kwala Klawang. This mine has been considerably 
developed during recent years, and crushing stamps and 
other machinery have been erected. The Jelebu Mining 
Company, with head-quarters also in Kwala Klawang, does 
an extensive business both in mining and in buying tin-ore 
from small mines. In Seremban there is a branch office 
of the Straits Trading Company, through which passes most 
of the ore produced in the State. There is also in this 
district one European company (The Seremban Tin Mining 
Company) working on the hydrauKc system ; two other 
companies will shortly start operations on the same system. 

In Kwala Pilah district there has been of recent years 
great activity in mining, and a considerable area of new land 
has been exploited. 

Posts and Ample facilities for postal and telegraphic communication 

Telegraphs. are provided throughout the State, offices being open for the 

dispatch of such business in every district town. 

:Roads. The State is well provided with cart roads connecting the 

centres of each district with head-q^uarters and with each 



Federated Malay States. 91 

other. These metalled roads are supplemented in the inland 
districts by good bridle-paths connecting the outlying portions 
of the districts. 

Considerable extension of the road system is now being 
undertaken, and substantial improvement is being made to 
those portions of existing roads which are in need of 
amelioration. 

The public buildings of the Negri Sembilan are of less Buildings. 
ambitious proportions than those in the larger and more 
opulent States of the Federation. There are none which 
demand any special mention. 

There are at present only 25 miles of open railway in the Railways. 
State, viz. : the line between Seremban and Port Dickson 
opened in 1891. The railway is the property of the Sungei 
Ujong Eailway Company Limited, and is worked by them 
under a guarantee from the Grovernment. The station at 
Port Dickson adjoins the landing stage. Four passenger 
trains (two up, and two down), are run daily. 

Between Seremban and Kajang (the present terminus of 
the Selangor Grovernment Eailway) a line is now in course of 
construction, which will shortly be open for traffic. When 
this extension is completed Seremban will be connected by 
rail with Selangor and later with Perak and Province 
Wellesley. 

Education is carried on upon the same lines as in the other Education. 
States. There are twenty-five vernacular schools, attend- 
ance at which is compulsory for boys residing within a 
certain radius from the school house. 

In Seremban an English school under the management of 
the Eoman Catholic Mission receives a salary grant from 
the G-overnment. The teaching at this school is purely 
secular. 



Hospitals under the management of qualified Officers Hospitals. 
have been established at the head-quarters of each district. 
They are all controlled by the State Surgeon in Seremban. 

Although there is not at present any hill resort at a high Sanitaria. 
elevation in the Negri Sembilan, the G-overnment has erected 
an excellent and commodious bungalow upon the Coast at 
Port Dickson, close to the sea beach, which is open to the 



92 



Handbook of the 



European public upon mach the same terms as those 
prescribed for the hill bungalows in Perak and Selangor. 

The air at Port Dickson is peculiarly dry and salubrious, 
and the facilities for sea bathing are excellent. The place 
is therefore a very popular resort, and persons in delicate 
health usually derive much benefit from a period of residence 
there. 

Advantage has been taken of the salubrity of the climate 
on this portion of the Coast to erect a Convalescent Hospital 
upon the sea beach in the neighbourhood of Port Dickson, 
for the accommodation of natives suffering from beri-beri. 

Patients are removed there from the inland hospitals when 
in a fair condition to travel, and rapidly recover strength 
under the influence of the fine dry air and the sea bathing. 

Conservancy. The care and maintenance of the streets, markets and other 
public conveniences of the District Towns is confided by the 
Government to the hands of Sanitary Boards as in the 
neighbouring States. 

Prisons. There is not as yet in the Negri Sembilan a prison designed 

upon recognised modern principles, and long sentence 
prisoners have hitherto therefore been received in the gaol 
at Kuala Lumpur. A prison of modern design to meet 
the needs of the whole State is now being erected at 
Seremban . 



Districts and 
Towns. 



The Negri Sembilan is divided into five districts for 
administrative purposes, as follows : — 

(i.) The Coast District, 
(ii.) The Seremban District. 
(iii.) The Jelebu District. 
(iv.) The Kwala Pilah District. 
(v.) The Tampin District. 

The three former comprise the State of Sungei Ujong, but 
the name Negri Sembilan formerly applied inaccurately to 
Nos. (iv.) and (v.; only, is now adopted for the whole 
group. 

The town of Seremban is the capital of the State, the 
head-quarters of the British Eesident and the heads of the 
various Grovernment Departments. It is connected with the 
sea by railway. 



Federated Malay States. 

Seremban is a prosperous little town, it has grown 
considerabl}^ in the last few years with the rising prosperity 
of the country, and its importance as a centre will be increased 
upon the completion of the new railways which are now 
projected or in course of construction. 

Port Dickson, the head-quarters of the Coast District is 
25 miles by railway from Seremban, and is practically the 
only port in the State. 

The district extends from the Sepang Eiver, which is the 
boundary with S clangor, to the Linggi River, which forms 
the boundary with Malacca. 

Jelebu, the head-quarters of which are at Kuala Klawang, 
is connected with Seremban by a cart road, twenty-four 
miles in length. The district adjoins the Pahang boundary 
and supphes a considerable portion of the tin exported from 
the State. 

Kuala Pilah, which gives its name to the district lying to 
the South of Sungei Ujong, is the principal village of Ulu 
Muar. Within the area of this district are comprised the 
minor territories of Ulu Muar, Johol, Jempol, Terachi, 
Gunong Pasir, and Inas. 

Tampin, 32 miles from Seremban, and adjoining the 
settlement of Malacca, contains VN^ithin its district jurisdiction 
the territories of Rembau, Tampin, and Gremencheh. The 
tin producing area, is principally situated within the districts 
of Seremban and Jelebu, which were for some years the only 
portions of the State to export their mineral. Later 
exploitation in the Kuala Pilah district has resulted in the 
production of payable tin, and in this division also the 
important agricultural areas of the State are situated, in the 
districts of Kuala Pilah and Tampin, where the Malay 
population has for many years past been engaged in 
cultivation of a far more regular, systematic and successful 
description than is found elsewhere among the States of the 
Federation. 

The estates owned and cultivated by Europeans are for the 
most part situated in the Seremban and Coast districts. 



The Negri Sembilan has few attractions to offer to the Spoi-i. 
sportsman in pursuit of game, large or small — certainly none 
which would tempt a visitor to proceed to the State for the 
purpose. Elephants and Seladang (Bison) are occasionally to 

7 



Handbook of the 

jQ met with in the more inland portions of the State, and a 
few snipe and pigeons in the lower country, hut the amount 
of shooting to he ohtained is so small as to he hardly worth 
mentioning. 

Other forms of recreation, which have heen mentioned in 
those portions of this hook which deal with Perak and 
Selangor, also have their place in the Negri Semhilan. The 
opportunities for indulging in the different forms of out- 
door sport are less frequent here than in the States ahove 
mentioned, because the European community is smaller, and 
it is more difficult to get men together for the purpose. 



TRENGrGANU 




MAP OF 

PAHANG. 

Federated Malay States. 



(,«/<■ 20 Milts ■ 1 Imh. 



s 



XIX 



^' 



Federated Malay States. 95 



PART y. 



PAHANG. 



His Highness The Sultan : 

Raja Ahmad Maatham Shah bin Almerhom Raja All 

British Resident . . . Hugh Clifford, C.M.G. 

Senior Magistrate . . Warren D. Barnes, 

State Auditor . . . C. B. Mills. 

State Engineer , , . E. R. Stokoe. 

THE COUNCIL OF STATE. 

His Highness Ahmad Maatham Shah, Sultan of Pahang, 

President. 

The British Resident : Hugh Clifford, C.M.G. 

The Tungku Besar : 

The Ungku Muda : 

The Tungku Muda : 

The Datoh Bendahara: 

The Shah Bandar : 

The Datoh Maharaja Perha of Jelai : 

Imam Prang Indera Stia Raja : 

Imam, Prang Indera Mahkota : 

Tuan Mandak : 

BRITISH RESIDENTS. 

1. John Pickersgill Rodger ... October, 1888, to Sep- 
tember, 1890. 

Hugh Clifford (acting) ... October, 1890, to Decem- 

ber, 1891. 

7a 



96 



Handbook of the 



Geographical 
description. 



Fhysical 
Geography. 



John Pickersgill Rodger 
Hugh Clifford (acting) 

Walter Egerton (acting) 
Hugh Clifford (acting) 

D. H. Wise (acting) ... 

2. Hugh Clifford 

Arthur Butler (acting) 

3. Arthur Butler 

D. H. Wise (acting) ... 

4. Hugh Clifford, C.M.G. 
F. Duberley (acting) ... 



January, 1892, to Feb- 
ruary, 1893. 

March, 1893, to May, 

1894. 
June, 1894. 

July, 1894, to September, 
1895. 

October, 1895, to June, 
1896. 

July, 1896, to March, 
1899. 

April, 1899, to December, 
1899. 

January, 1900, to January, 
1901. 

February and March, 
1901. 

April, 1901, to September, 

1901. 
October, 1901. 



Pahang occupies a large portion of that part of the Malay 
Peninsula which lies on the eastern side of the central 
mountain range. It is bounded on the north by the States 
of Kelantan and Trengganu, on the south by the territory of 
Johore, on the west and south-west b}^ Perak, Selangor and the 
Negri Sembilan, and on the east by the China Sea. It is the 
largest of the States of the Federation, having an estimated 
area of some 14,000 square miles, and a line of greater 
length approaching 200 miles. Besides the territory on the 
mainland, Pahang includes two chains of islets running 
parallel to its coast, generally at a distance of about 25 miles. 
The chief of them is Pulau Tioman, ten miles by five, and 
attaining a height of about 3,500 feet. The State lies 
between latitudes 2° 30'' and 4° 50'^ and longitudes 101° 30'' 
and 103° 40'', and has a coast line of about 130 miles in 
length. 

Pahang contains several high mountains and fine water- 
ways. Almost all the places in the State inhabited by Malays, 
and many of the more easily accessible Sakai districts, have, 
since the introduction of the Eesidential System, been visited 
by Europeans, and though there yet remain large tracts of 
uninhabited jungle which have not been penetrated, still the 
geography of Pahang may now be said to be comparatively 
well known. 



Federated Malay Statef<. 97 

Among the principal mountains of the State, Gunong 
Tahan, situated at the sources of the Kechau and Tahan 
Eivers, far up in the highlands near the Pahang — Kelantan 
boundary, easily ranks first, besides being beheved to be the 
highest summit in the Peninsula. It has never yet been 
ascended by man, although its base was approached, some 
years ago, by a European scientific expedition to within 
ten miles. The mountain is isolated, and does not appear to 
be a portion of the range which divides Pahang from the 
northern States of Kelmtan and Dungun. Its height is 
estimated at anything from 8 to 10,000 feet above the level 
of the sea. 

With characteristic superstition, Malays invest this moun- 
tain with much mystery, and speak with awe of the stores 
of treasure said to be lying, from time immemorial, on the 
top of Grunong Tahan, jealously guarded by demons and 
other unearthly beings, whose common object would appear 
to be to prevent the wealth of the summit from falling into 
human hands. Eightly or wrongly, most Malays believe 
that Grunong Tahan will never be ascended by man. They 
attach a strange fatality to this wonderful mountain, and the 
fact that a European, while exploring that part of the country, 
met with an accident and was drowned in the Tahan river, 
tends but to confirm them in the belief that Grunong Tahan, 
which may be translated to mean " The Mountain of 
Opposition," can never be explored. 

The next highest summit is to be found on the opposite 
side of the Pahang valley, in the neighbourhood of Grunong 
Raja, at the head of the Semantan River near the Selangor 
boundary. Then there are Grunong Benom (6,900 feet) 
near Raub, and Bukit Raka (2,050 feet), beyond Bentong, 
both these mountains being trigonometrical survey stations. 
Other high hills are found in the eastern chain from which 
flow the river Cherating (called the Sereting near its source), 
the Trengganu River Dungun and the Lebir, an important 
tributary of the Kelantan River. Further, a range of 
mountains, nearly as formidable as that which divides 
Pahang from Selangor, separates the districts of Temerloh 
in the centre and Kuantan on the east of the State. Then 
again, to the south of the River Pahang, there is Grunong 
Cheni, an isolated mountain, not, however, very remarkable 
for its size ; while, still further south there rises Grunong 
Grayong, a high hill from which the River Rompin flows, and 
on the Pahang itself, a few days' journey from the coast, 
one meets Grunong Senyum ("The Hill of Smiles "), some 
3,000 feet in height. 



98 Mandhooh of the 

The State is well watered by numero-us rivers and streams, 
of which the Pahang Eiver is the most important. Curiously 
enough, this magnificent waterway, which, though of 
considerable size, is, however, inferior in volume, breadth, 
and length, to the Perak Piver, has its source, according to 
native ideas, in an insignificant ditch, almost in the centre 
of the State, into which the considerable waters of the 
Tembeling from the north-west, and of the Jelai from the 
north empty themselves, thus together forming, from that 
point downwards, the broad and picturesque river called the 
Pahang, which thenceforth becomes quite distinct as a main 
stream. This river drains a great length of country, and, 
in its course, receives numerous important feeders from the 
most opposite directions — from the mountains to the north, 
the south, and the west. In its lower reaches, below Kuala 
Bera, it flows for nearly 100 miles due east, through a 
country covered with low-lying hills and valleys, until it 
empties itself into the China Sea. This country, for the 
most part, is not marshy. 

Of the other principal rivers, the Eompin, Endau, Kuantan, 
Semantan, Triang, Bera, Tembeling, Lipis, and Jelai, may 
be mentioned. Of these, the Pompin is a fine river, wider 
and longer than many of the others. In marked contrast 
to the Pahang, which is much shallower, it has about six 
feet of water on the bar at the lowest tide, and there is deep 
water for nearly a hundred miles up, whilst the Kuala, or 
mouth, lies in a wide bay, protected to some extent, from the 
north-east monsoon. The Endau forms the Pahang boundary 
with Johore ; the Kuantan has its source in the hills of 
Kemaman, a, district of Trengganu, and flows into the China 
Sea. The others mentioned above are inland rivers, by 
following one or another of which the other States of the 
Federation may be entered at their interior stations. 

The shallowness of the principal river of the State renders 
it navigable for shallow-draught steamers only ; but certain 
others, e.g.^ the Pompin and the Kuantan, are free from this 
disadvantage. Unlike the Pahang, which, owing to its 
sandy bed and absence of rapids, is a safe river for boats of 
any description and for small steamers, the Tembeling, Lipis, 
and Jelai are rock infested streams, abounding in rapids, and 
are, therefore, impracticable, except for sampans (small 
native skifls or " dug-outs " holding not more than three 
men), for more than a few miles from their mouths. 

The rivers of the State are subject to annual floods during 
the months of December and January, and when these in- 
undations occur certain portions of the country lie under 



Federated Malay States. 99 

water for several days, sometimes for weeks, invariably 
causing damage to standing crops, and often loss of property. 

The banks of most Pabang rivers are sandy, often high 
and, unlike those on the western slope of the Peninsula, are 
nearly always free from the mangrove which flourishes 
luxuriantly only in marshy surroundings. 

The whole coast of Pabang is, like most of the east coast 
of the Peninsula, an almost uninhabited forest ; but it has the 
advantage of a fine sandy shore, fringed with numerous Ru 
trees [Casuarina littorea), so that it is possible, and, in the 
north-east monsoon, not uncommon, for long journeys to be 
undertaken along this natural road. Such a thing is no- 
where possible on the west coast, with its matted jungle of 
mangrove, and its muddy foreshore. 

Not much is as yet known about the geology of Pabang, Geology. 
such information as is available having reference only to 
particular localities where mining is, or has been, in progress, 
rather than to the whole State in general. 

Greologists who have visited Pabang appear to agree in 
thinking that the geological formation on the eastern side of 
the main range is such as to render it improbable that large 
tracts of alluvial tin will be found in this State. The moun- 
tain range is largely composed of granite, which, all the 
world over, is the characteristic feature of stanniferous 
deposits, and, so far as the granite extends^ the tin is also 
found. At the foot of the hills, however, at the points which 
correspond to those on the Selangor side of the range, where 
the richest alluvial tin fields are found, the granite is 
intersected by a slate formation which carries no tin and cuts 
the granite off. It is stated that, in Australia, it is at the 
junction of two similar formations that the best gold lodes 
are found, and it is possible that this may also prove to be 
the case in Pabang. 

Of the "Mineral" States in the Peninsula, Pabang is 
placed first by the Malays ; Kelantan next to Pabang ; and 
then Patani ; all these have galena as well as gold and tin. 
Grold is found in Pabang almost exclusively in the central 
line of the State, at Pasoh on the Bera, at Luit, the Jelai, 
the Lipis, Eaub, Penjum, Selensing, and Kechau. What- 
ever the explanation may be, it is worth noticing here, as it 
has been noticed before, that the principal gold workings of 
the Peninsula lie almost entirely along a not very wide 
line drawn from Mount Ophir and Segamat — (the southern 



100 Handbook of the 

limit of the auriferous chain) through the very heart of the 
Peninsula, to the Klian Mas or gold diggings of Petani 
and Telepin in the north. 

The best allavial tin workings of Pahang lie near the 
Selangor hills on the Piver Bentong ; at Sempam, Tras, and 
Liang ; and near the gold workings of the Jelai. The 
deepest underground tin mines in the Peninsula are situated 
in the Kuantan District, where there are extensive and well 
defined lodes, and where ttlso copper is found. Pahang tin 
is said to he the only tin on the East Coast which can rival 
that of Perak and Selangor in whiteness and pliancy. Some 
years ago, antimony was found near Selensing on the Jelai 
river, and lodes of that mineral are believed to exist in that 
part of the State. 

At Penjum, gold is found in quartz leaders traversing 
masses of clay slate, of which the country rock is there 
mainly composed, and a good proportion of free gold is 
present in the ore which appears to be fairly tractable. It is 
said that the geological formations at Eaub and Selensing, 
(which are two important gold localities), are similar to that 
at Penjum. 

Generally speaking, the geological formation of Pahang 
hills consists, so far as is at present known, of granite, 
sandstone, shale, and clay. Some of the islands, such as 
Tioman and Tinggi, consist partly or entirely of trap rock. 

Grold is found in the streams of the rivers and in quartz 
lodes in the slate. The rock in which tin is found in Kuan- 
tan, (the only place in which lodes have hitherto been 
discovered), is a species of laterite, and the alluvial tin mines 
in that and in others districts of the State, are similar to 
those in Selangor, but the tin-bearing stratum is met with at 
relatively shallower depths. 

In the Tui river, a tributary of the Jelai, gold has been 
found in the limestone, which is said to be surprising as there 
is no record of gold having occurred in a limestone formation 
elsewhere. That part of P;^hang consists mainly of highly- 
tilted beds of clay, slates, and shales; while interbedded 
with them, occasionally but rarely, conglomerates and lime- 
stones appear. The stratified rocks there are traversed by 
numerous intrusions of granites and greenstones, which take 
the form of lenses and dykes, the strike and dip of the latter 
being always parallel to those of the stratified rocks. All 
the known rich concentrations of gold in Pahang are said to 
be associated with intrusive rocks, and wherever streams are 



Federated Malay States. 101 

found crossing the contact of the intrusive and stratified 
rocks, gold can always be detected. 

In Pahang, tin seems to be confined to the granites of the 
central range and to the Kuantan granites. Grenerally, the 
central range has undergone much less denudation on its 
eastern than on its western side. For instance the slates still 
extend half way up the mountains at Tras and are not visible 
on the western side until Kuala Kubu, in Selangor, is 
approached. Consequently, much less stream tin has been 
shed into Pahang than into the Western States. There 
seem, however, to be some points where the granite ridge has 
weathered more quickly than usual on the eastern side and 
where tin is likely to be found, as also in the Kuantan line of 
country. The southern extension of this line, south of the 
Pahang Eiver, seems to be but little known. 

The climate of Pahang is, as a rule, warm, moist, and soft. Climate. 
It is cooler and more agreeable on the coast than in the 
interior stations. 

The year is divided into two monsoon seasons - the dry 
and the wet. The former, the south-west, lasts from April 
to September, and the latter, the north-east, from October to 
March. Various localities differ in minor points, but 
malarious miasma, in a greater or less degree, is never absent, 
though it is, of course, present to a greater extent in unopened 
and more remote parts of the country than in the towns. 

Pahang is, on the whole, generally supposed to be an 
unhealthy State, but this belief may safely be characterised 
as a somewhat biassed one, for there can be no doubt that 
the climate of Pahang is fairly healthy and not peculiarly 
prejudicial to the European constitution, while it certainly 
cannot be said with truth that the country is unfit for 
Europeans and others to hve in. 

Provided that the usual rules of hygiene in tropical 
countries are observed, and all excesses avoided in eating and 
drinking, Europeans can, as a rule, remain in Pahang for at 
least four or five years at a stretch before the necessity for a 
change of climate becomes apparent. 

The stations in Pahang in which meteorological observations 
are taken are few in number, and the distances which divide 
one part of the State from another are so great that obser- 
vations recorded at one place cannot serve as any indication 
of what may be expected even throughout the district of 
which that place is the head-quarters ; and it may, there- 



102 Sandhook of the 

fore, be confidently asserted that it is only by chance that 
annual extremes of temperature for a given year are 
registered, as it is probable that these are also to be 
observed in some place or places within the State other 
than in the few in which meteorological stations have been 
established. 

A mean annual temperature of between 75° F. and 80° 
F. is the rule. Grreat extremes are rare. A continuance 
of cloudy weather is practically unknown. There is not 
much difference between the temperatures of the seasons. 

The rainfall is always large, and is fairly evenly distri- 
buted throughout the State. An average annual fall of 
from 150 to 175 inches may be depended upon. The average 
number of rainy days is high, viz : — about 200 a year, or 
about 17 wet days each month. 

It must, however, be noted that a considerable difference 
always exists between the rainfalls of the seasons, that of the 
north-east monsoon being about twice as much as that of the 
south-west. 

During the months of November to February the fall is 
comparatively much greater than in any other given four 
months. When the wet season is on, rain generally falls 
with violence and lasts long, while passing storms of wind 
and rain are frequent during the same period. 

Heavy rain in Pahang is invariably the precursor of floods, 
which annually occur in this State with great regularity and 
which are caused by the enormous amount of rain that falls 
in the mountains of the upper country. 

For a State of the size of Pabang, the population is very 
sparse. Since the introduction of the Residential system in 
1899, the Census has been taken twice — in 1891 and in 1901. 
The returns of the former year were admittedly incomplete 
and are not, therefore, useful for purposes of comparison. 
The following were the figures returned on 1st March, 
1901 :— 



Malays and other natives of the 


Archi- 




pelago ... 
Chinese 
Tamils and other natives of India 




73,462 
8,695 
1,227 


Europeans and Eurasians... 




180 


Other Nationalities 


: 


549 


Total 


84,113 



Federated Malay States. 103 

Taking the area of the State at an estimated 14,000 square 
miles, it will be seen that the average population to the 
square mile is only six, or one person to about every hundred 
acres, which serves to show how small a portion of the whole 
country is owned or occupied. In some parts of the State 
one can travel continuously for a week on end without 
seeing a single human habitation. Pahang is thus far from 
being a populous country, even according to the low standard 
of the Peninsula ; but there are a good many prosperous 
Malay settlements, and not least in the extreme interior. 
The most thickly populated portions of the country are the 
Lipis Valley in the Ulu Pahang, the Pahang Eiver banks 
near Temerloh, and the banks of the river from the mouth 
at Kuala Pahang to ten miles above Pekan. 

In addition to the nationalities given above, large numbers 
of Sakai (which is the generic name for the Aborigines) 
inhabit the wilder and less accessible parts of the State. 
No accurate estimate of their numbers is at present possible, 
but they are certainly far more numerous than was formerly 
supposed, and 7,500 to 8,000 souls for all Pahang would not 
be above the mark. 

Some years ago. Professor Yaughan Stevens travelled 
through the Endau and Pompin Districts, pursuing anthro- 
pological enquiries among the Sakai tribes of the coast, and 
later the same gentleman made a few short trips to the edges 
of some of the Ulu Pahang Sakai districts, the Jelai and 
the Telom, but he did not penetrate to those parts of the 
country which are inhabited by the Tem-be, or wild Sakai, 
the Semang, and the Pangan, or Negrit, tribes, mentioned by 
Baron Miklaho-Maklay as living on the Kelantan frontier. 

The country on both sides of the mountain range, which 
forms the watershed of the Pahang rivers Jelai and Telom 
and of the Perak rivers Bidor and Kampar, is thickly 
inhabited by Sakai who, although a few large villages exist, 
live for the most part in groups of from two to three families. 
These Sakai are divided into two distinct tribes, called by 
themselves Sen-oi and Tem-be, respectively, the former being 
the more civilized and more accessible clan, while the latter 
are but little known to the Malays. It is worthy of note 
that the Sen-oi dialect is practically identical with that in use 
among the Sakai tribes of Kinta and the Lengkuas tribe near 
Blanja in Perak, while the Tem-be tribe speak a dialect 
equally similar to that in use among the Sakai tribes of Legap 
and Korbu in the Plus district of the same State. Both the 
Tem-be and Sen-oi dialects, however, resemble one another 
so closely that it would seem to be evident that they originally 



104 Handbook of the 

sprang from the same source. Words to express any 
numerals higher than three are are not found in either of 
these dialects. 

The Sakai used not to love the Malay, and with good 
reason. Countless years of tyranny and ruthless oppression 
on the part of the Malays would seem to have entirely 
broken the spirit of the jungle-dwellers, who, in consequence 
of the ill-treatment which they been obliged to passively 
suffer, are still very shy, and avoid strangers with the 
instinct of wild animals. Of recent years, however, these 
people, hitherto enslaved and trampled upon to an extent 
that baffles description, are beginning to realise the fact that 
even a Sakai cannot, under the existing regime, be in any 
way ill-treated with impunity. 

The real Sakais wear no clothes, a strip of bark being all 
that they consider necessary. 

Their weapons are bows and arrow and blowpipes with 
poisoned darts. The bow used is about six feet long, made 
of " Penaga " wood, and strung with twisted strips of the 
same " Terap " bark as is used for their waist-cloths, whilst 
the arrows are about two feet six inches in length, made of 
bamboo, tipped with barbed iron, poisoned with " Ipoh, " 
and feathered with the tailfeathers of the " Enggang, " or 
larger horn-bill. Sakais are seldom or never seen in the 
vicinity of towns or villages and live entirely in the jungle. 
They are not Muhammadans and such religion as they 
possess is a rude kind of pantheism, but they behove in an 
after-life and in the power of good and evil spirits. 

As regards the general condition of the Malays of Pahang, 
it has vastly improved and they are infinitely better off in 
every way now than they were under the Grovernment of the 
Sultan and his Chiefs prior to 1889. They are, in fact, on 
the whole, so well-to-do that even the high rate of wages 
that now obtains in this State seldom serves as a sufficient 
inducement to them to accept any but temporary employ- 
ment, and that only at intervals. The Pahang Malay does 
not differ to any marked degree from his fellows in the other 
States of the Federation, and all that has been written about 
the natives of the Peninsula in the First Part of this Pland- 
book, can be held to apply to the natives of this State as well. 

Of the 180 Europeans and Eurasians returned at the 
recent Census, 134 are Europeans and the remainder 
Eurasians. About a hundred of the former a.re in the 
employ of the mining companies in the State, the remainder 
being Grovernment officers. Practically all the Eurasians are 



Federated Malay States. 105 

subordinate members of the Grovernment service. Of the 
Tamils and other Indians, about a thousand are road coolies, 
with a few petty shop-keepers and money-lenders. Included 
in " Other Nationalities," but not shown separately, are 
about 400 Arabs most of whom are traders in a small way. 
The remaining 149 are principally Japanese and Singhalese, 
and call for no special remark. 

The history of Pahang is obscure, and was chiefly con- History 
cerned in olden days with invasions and threats from Siam, 
and it is said, Malacca. To a great extent Pahang escaped 
the troubles which Johore suffered, directly and indirectly, 
through its European neighbours — the Portuguese and the 
Dutch. 

The first Euler of Pahang, of whom there is any record, 
was a son of the Sultan Mahmud, who fled to Pahang from 
Malacca after the capture of that town by the Portuguese in 
1511. A reputed descendant of his was Bendahara Ali, who 
died in the year 1850 or thereabouts. He had ten children, 
only two of whom are of any historical importance. The 
names of these two Eajas were Che' Wan Muhammad Tahir 
and Che' Wan Ahmad. The former, who was the elder of 
the twain, ascended the throne on his father's death and 
forced his brother to fly from the country. Che' Wan 
Ahmad then went to Singapore and took refuge in the Kota 
of Sultan Ali. Later, Che' Wan Muhammad Tahir died, 
and his eldest son, Che' Wan Korish, succeeded him. 

Che' Wan Ahmad, meanwhile, made many attempts to 
seize the country, first from his brother, and subsequently 
from his nephew, Che' Wan Korish, who, thinking his 
position insecure, sought an alliance with the Tumenggong 
of Johore. In 1862, a treaty was signed between Bendahara 
Che' Wan Korish of Pahang and the Tumenggong Abubakar 
(afterwards Maharaja and subsequently Sultan) of Johore. 
This was an offensive and defensive alliance between the two 
States, and, in accordance with the provisions of this treaty, 
the Tumenggong of Johore aided Bendahara Korish with 
men and money when, in 1865, Che' Wan Ahmad made his 
final, and, as it proved, successful, invasion of Pahang. In 
return for the assistance promised in the treaty referred to, 
Pahang ceded to Johore certain tracts of territory in the 
interior of its coast districts. Che' Wan Korish died during 
the war which followed his uncle's invasion, and the former's 
brothers, Che' Wan Ahmad and Che' Wan Da, were driven 
into the sea in spite of the efforts of Johore to resist the 
invaders. 



106 Handbook of the 

The Che' Wan Ahmad frequently referred to above is the 
present Ruler of Pahang — Sultan Ahmad Muatham Shah 
Ebini Al Merhum Ali. 

When Che' Wan Ahmad seized the Pahang throne in 
1865, he forthwith, as was but natural, repudiated the treaty 
into which his nephew, Bendahara Che' Wan Korish, had 
entered with the Tumenggong of Johore three years earlier. 
This repudiation, with its attendant rival claims to those 
portions of Pahang territory which Che' Wan Korish had 
ceded to Johore, caused considerable ill-feeling between the 
Courts of the two States. Three years later, however, that 
is, in 1868, a rectification of the boundaries between Pahang 
and Johore, at the River Endau, was settled by the arbitra- 
tion of the then Grovernor of the Straits Settlements, Sir 
Harry Ord, K.C.B. There was thus created some dependence 
on the part of Pahang, and on the part of the Colony some 
obligation of protection and recognition. 

For many years after the events narrated above, Pahang 
was left alone, and, as a result, the State gradually became 
notorious for cruel mis-government, even among other 
independent Malay States, and strong representations on this 
subject were made to the Sultan by Sir Frederick Weld, then 
Grovernor of the Straits Settlements, during the years 1885 
and 1886. 

It is difficult for those who are acquainted only with the 
Protected States on the western side of the Malay Peninsula, 
to realise the state of affairs which prevailed in Pahang prior 
to the appointment of the first British Resident in 1888. 

A system of taxation under which every necessary as well 
as every luxury of life was heavily taxed ; law courts in 
which the procedure was the merest mockery of justice, 
the decisions depending solely on the relative wealth or 
influence of the litigants, and where the punishments meted 
out were utterly barbarous ; a system of debt-slavery under 
which not only the debtor but his wife and their most remote 
descendants were condemned to hopeless bondage ; an 
unlimited corvee, or forced labour (" Krah " as it is termed 
by Malays), for indefinite periods, and entirely without 
remuneration ; such were some of the more striking examples, 
although the list is by no means exhaustive, of administrative 
misrule in a State within less than twenty-four hours of 
Singapore, and immediately adjoining the two Protected 
States of Perak and Selangor. The condition of the Pahang 
rwiat, or peasant, during the period in question, may be 
briefly expressed by stating that he had absolutely no rights, 



Federated Malay States. 107 

whether of person or property, not merely in his relations 
with the Kaja, but even in those with his immediate District 
Chief. 

This most deplorable state of affairs has, as already 
mentioned, since been happily changed for the better. 

In October, 1887, a Political and Commercial Treaty was 
concluded between Sir Frederick Weld and the Sultan of 
Pahang, similar to that entered into with the Sultan of 
Johore in December, 1895, and Mr. Hugh Clifford was 
appointed to act as the Grovernor's Agent at the Pahang 
Court, having functions similar to those of a Consular 
Officer. 

In February, 1888, a Chinese British subject was 
murdered at Pekan, then the capital of Pahang, under very 
aggravated circumstances, and His Excellency Sir Cecil C. 
Smith, Grovernor of the Straits Settlements, called on the 
Sultan to make reparation for this murder. 

For some time this was refused, but after protracted 
negotiations, the Sultan asked that the past might be condoned 
and that a British Pesident might be appointed to assist him 
in the administration of his country, on the same system as 
that in force in the Protected Malay States. This request 
was complied with, and Mr. J. P. Rodger was appointed the 
first Resident in October, 1888. 

The following is a copy of the correspondence which led to 
Pahang being brought under British protection : — 

Translation 

of a letter from His Highness the Sultan Ahmad Muatham, Shah of 
Pahang, to His Excellency Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, k.c.m.g., Governor 
of the Straits Settlements. 

(After compliments.) 

We make known to our friend, -with reference to the correspondence hetween 
ourself and our friend, that we have considered our friend's words, and all 
that our friend has written. We have also had time to consult with our 
relation. His Highness the Sultan of Johore. Our friend will remember that 
we have already acknowledged our responsibility for the murder of Jo Hui 
(Go Hui), a British subject. We hope that no more will be said about this 
matter, and that Her Majesty the Queen will be satisfied with our expression 
of regret for what has occurred, and with our giving a guarantee for the future, 
that is to say, that Her Majesty the Queen should send us a British Officer 
in order that he may assist us in matters relating to the Government of our 
country, on a similar system to that existing in the Malay States under 
English protection. We now ask for such an Officer. In asking this, we 
trust that the British Government will assure to us and our successors all our 
proper privileges and powers according to our system of government, and will 



108 Handbook of the 

undertake that they will not interfere with the old customs of our country 
which have good and proper reasons, and also with all matters relating 
to our Eeligion. There is nothing more but our best respects to our friend. 

Written on the 16th of Zil Hejah, 1305. (24th August, 1888.) 



Eeply to the above. 

His Excellency, Governor Sir Cecil C. Smith, k.c.m.g., to His Highness 
the Sultan of Pahang. 

(After Compliments.) 

I inform my friend that the Sultan of Johore duly delivered to me my 
friend's letter of 24th August. The contents of this letter I forwarded by 
telegraph to England to be laid before the Great Queen, and i prayed that 
Her Majesty would accept the expression of my friend's deep regret at what 
had taken place in regard to the murder of British subjects, and would 
approve of the proposed request of my friend that a British Resident should 
be placed in Pahang, who would assist my friend in the administration of 
the Government of the country, which would be taken as a guarantee 
against all future similar and other troubles. 

To-day I have received the commands of the Great Queen authorising 
me to carry out the arrangement which my friend has set out in his letter of 
the 24th ultimo, and I will therefore soon send a British Resident to my 
friend — an ofl&cer of experience, who knows Malay manners and customs, 
and who is well-intentioned towards my friend personally, and desirous of 
promoting the interests of my friend's country. I rely on my friend treating 
the British Resident with entire frankness, taking him into full confidence 
as regards all public matters, and loyally carrying out the arrangement 
which has now been finally made. 

In conclusion, I send my best wishes for my friend's health and for the 
prosperity of my friend's country. 

Singapore, %th September, 1888. 

Though the first British Eesident was, as already stated, 
appointed in 1888, full administration of the State was not 
taken over until July, 1889. Even then, however, having 
regard to the past history and peculiar circumstances of 
Pahang, it was not expected that the Sultan and his Chiefs 
would at the commencement give to the new Grovernment 
the same cordial support and assistance which is rendered by 
the Native Rulers of the other protected States ; but the 
Sultan has never failed to recognise his treaty obligations, and 
the provisions of the liberal Civil List have, in some measure, 
tended to compensate the Chiefs for the loss of their former 
oppressive powers. 

The great territorial Chiefs have never viewed with favour 
the changes then and since introduced into the administration 
of Pahang — changes which have considerabty diminished 
their former almost absolute authority in their respective 
districts. The relations of these Chiefs, whose titles were 



Federated Malay States. 109 

hereditary, and who had the power of appointing subsidiary 
headmen to their followers, were very similar to those 
formerly existing between a Highland Chief and the members 
of his clan in Scotland, and the fiction of a blood relationship 
is still to some extent maintained among them, the followers 
of a Chief being called his " Anak Buah," i.e., " the children 
of his loins." Time has, however, made the great Chiefs 
more or less reconciled to the new order of things. 

On the other hand, the Penghulus and petty Headmen 
have, from the first, gladly accepted the new administration, 
since the advantages accruing to them from the introduction 
of the Residential system, under which they obtain fixed 
allowances, and complete protection of life and property are 
almost as important as the security and justice now enjoyed 
by the general body of native miats and Chinese and Malay 
settlers. 

Any account of the history of the State would be some- 
what incomplete if it omitted all reference to the Pahang 
disturbances of 1891-2 and 1894. These internal troubles 
may therefore be briefly alluded to here. 

From the date of the declaration of British protection, 
one Chief, Bahman, the (ex) Orang Kaya Pahlawan of 
Semantan, was, more than all the rest, violently opposed to 
the new system, and until December 1891, when he broke 
out into open rebellion against the Grovernment, he was 
never tired of proclaiming that he would not tamely submit 
to the British. The only thing which he said would ensure 
his loyalty and obedience to Government regulations, was a 
pension of $6,000 a year, and permission to do as he liked 
within the borders of his own district. The Grovernment 
declined to negotiate on this basis, and the Orang Kaya 
sullenly retreated into the jungles of the Semantan and 
commenced raising his own revenue in a fashion characteristic 
of independent Malay rule. 

Affairs came to a crisis when one day he fired upon an 
European Officer in the Semantan district, killed sundry 
Sikhs, and, with his victorious band of about 200 followers, 
marched downstream and sacked the unprotected village of 
Temerloh, causing the Officer in charge to retreat to Pekan, 
the capital. 

Sikh Police were afterwards brought in from th3 neigh- 
bouring States of Perak and Selangor, and also from the 
Colony, and a protracted guerilla warfare ensued. This 
continued till late in 1892, when the Orang Kaya wa© 
8 



110 Handbook of the 

forced to flee and take refuge in the northern States of 
Kelantan and Trengganu, where he was received with open 
arms. His followers had hy that time considerably 
dwindled in numbers, and in his retreat he was attended by 
only a handful of faithful retainers. The result of the 
operations was the escape of the rebel and much misery 
among his people. 

Bahman remained in Kelantan till June, 1894, when he 
re-entered Pahang by way of the Tembeling river. He had 
a following of about 150 men, chiefly Kelantanese bent on 
loot. The Police Station at Kuala Tembeling was cleverly 
surprised by the rebels, and out of the small garrison of 
eleven men, six were killed, the remainder succeeded in 
escaping, though one of them was wounded with knives and 
kris in more than thirty places. After looting all the 
trading boats in the vicinity, the rebels retreated up the 
Tembeling river and stockaded themselves at Jeram Ampai. 
They were victors for the moment. In due course, Sikh 
troops were again brought in and took the field under the 
command of Colonel E S. Prowd Walker, O.M.Gr. An 
action was fought at Jeram Ampai and the rebels, utterly 
routed, fled in all directions leaving forty killed. Bahman 
again escaped into Kelantan, his unrivalled knowledge of 
Malay jungles again serving him in good stead. Our loss 
in this engagement was one European (Mr. E. A. Wise) and 
four Sikhs killed, and Captain H. L. Talbot, and four Sikhs 
wounded. 

After Bahman made good his escape into Kelantan, 
negotiations were opened between the British and Siamese 
Grovernments, as a result of which the ex-Orang Kay a of 
Semantan and his more important assistants have been 
sentenced to perpetual banishment at Chieng Mai in Siam. 

Since the disturbances of 1894, Pahang has enjoyed peace, 
and there is now, in the opinion of those best able to judge, 
no further likelihood of any internal troubles again breaking 
out. The moral lesson of the past rebellion has been to the 
Malays a most salutary one. 

The State has now been under British protection for 
twelve years, and the record during this period is a 
sufiiciently satisfactory one. The condition of the native 
population has been enormously improved ; property, owing 
to the added security afforded by the Administration to 
all classes of the community, has greatly increased in value ; 
a great deal of money has found its way into the country, 



Federated Malay States. Ill 

and the wealth of the Malays has been very materially 
increased. Above all, a just and humane rule has replaced 
that of the old regime^ and the happiness of the bulk of 
the inhabitants of Pahang has in a great measure been 
secured. To adequately reahse all that has been effected 
during the past decade, one must remember that Pahang 
was, prior to 1889, the wildest and most lawless of all the 
States in the Malay Peninsula. 

In so far as cash balances are concerned, Pahang {^ ih.Q Revenue and 
poorest State in the Federation, and is heavily in debt. The "^^^^ 
total liabilities on the 1st January, 1901, amounted to 
$3,566,237, or £356,623 sterling, and, for some time to 
come, will have to be added to yearly. Fortunately, the 
State debt is only a paper one, the repayment of which 
depends upon the extent to which the future development of 
the country will be pushed. All money required by Pahang 
for expenses of administration is generously advanced by the 
State of Selangor, which does not, happily, lay down any 
hard-and-fast rules as to period of repayment. 

Since 1889 and up to the end of 1900, over half a million 
dollars has been debited against Pahang on account of 
interest on loans received. The disturbances of 1891-2 and 
1894 accounted for over $300,000. Towards this latter 
expenditure, however, the Sultan contributed $57,600 out of 
his own pocket. 

The Eevenue of the State advanced from $375,350 in 
1899 to $419,150 in 1900. The principal collections were 
made under the headings of Licenses, Customs, and Land 
and Forest Eevenue. The first item is mainly derived from 
the Chinese population and includes duty on opium, spirits, 
and tobacco imported. " Customs," chiefly represents the 
export royalty paid on gold and tin won in and sent out of 
the State. Land and forest revenue is contributed principally 
by the Malays, the former item being on account of rent 
paid by them for their agricul ural holdings, and the latter 
comprising export duty on jungle produce worked by 
them. 

The expenditure of the State has always been greatly in 
excess of the revenue. In 1900 it amounted to $630,678, 
the principal disbursements appearing under Personal 
Emoluments; Departmental Charges; Salaries and Allow- 
ances to Chiefs ; Eoads, Streets, Eivers, and Bridges ; 
Works and Buildings; Interest on Loans; and Federal 
Charges. 
8a 



112 



Handbook of the 



The following table shows the Eevenue and Expenditure 

of the State since the establishment of British protection : — 



Year. 

1889 (half-year) 

1890 

1891 

1892 

1893 

1894 

1895 

1896 

1897 

1898 

1899 

1900 

Total 



Revenue. 

$30,390 

$62,077 

$77,386 

$50,044 

$83,688 

$100,220 

$106,744 

$160,947 

$198,193 

$224,856 

$375,350 

$419,150 

$1,889,045 



Expenditure. 
$142,621 

$297,702 
$238,174 
$271,393 
$282,236 
$249,121 
$231,914 
$462,619 
$441,918 
$372,719 
$1,814,030 
$630,678 

$5,435,125 



Trade. 



It will thus be seen that the expenditure has, during the 
past eleven and a half years, exceeded the revenue by over 
three and a half million dollars, that being, therefore, the 
amount of the State debt at the end of 1900. 

Almost the whole of the trade is carried on between the 
ports of the State and Singapore. The values for the past 
nine years are shown in the subjoined table : — 



Year. 


Imports. 


Exports. 


1892 


$341,673 


$331,196 


1893 


$363,834 


$367,555 


1894 


$787,859 


$659,653 


1895 


$946,497 


$775,313 


1896 


.. $1,180,188 


$865,280 


1897 


.. $1,226,059 


$1,652,607 


1898 


.. $1,147,054 


$1,559,349 


1899 


.. $1,531,661 


$2,062,241 


1900 


$973,405 


$2,322,950 



The principal imports are opium, spirits, rice, tinned 
provisions and miscellaneous food stuffs, cotton goods, 
tobacco, machinery, kerosine and other oils, hardware, 
sugar. About $200,000 worth of specie is brought into the 
State annually. The principal articles of export are tin, 
gold, salted fish, rattans, gutta and rubber, timber, 
buffalo hides, and various kinds of jungle produce, &c. 
During the past five years the export of gold, tin, and 
gutta and rubber has been : — 105,475 ounces valued at 
$4,219,000 ; 3,392 tons valued at $3,200,793 ; and 156 tons 
valued at $573,237, respectively. 



Federated Malay States. 113 

The customs duties in force in Pahang vary to some extent 
as compared with the royalties levied in the other Federated 
States. In addition to the import duty on opium and spirits, 
all kinds of Asiatic tobaccos brought into the country pay a tax 
of $10 a pikul (133J- lbs.). The right to collect this is farmed 
out to a Chinese syndicate, as is also the opium and spirits 
monopoly. These are the only import duties at present in 
force. 

In the other States the export duty on tin is calculated on 
a sliding scale, as explained in Part I. of this Hand-book, 
and the royalty on gold is there 10% of its value. In 
Pahang, tin pays a fixed duty of 10% (in a few special cases 
it is 8%) ad valorem, calculated on the daily market price of 
the metal ; while the royalty on gold exported is fixed at 
5%, or half of what it is elsewhere. 

Passengers and Fares. — Passengers for Pahang from the Pas^^engers 
West can book their passages either to Penang or Singapore. ^^^<^Fare.s. 

If entry into the State by way of any of the coast ports 
is desired, tickets should be procured for Singapore. Thence 
by local steamers to Kuala Pahang or Kuala Kuantan. 

If, on the other hand, one wishes to enter the State by road, 
then book to Penang and thence tranship to Port Swettenham 
in Selangor. From Port Swettenham to Kuala Lumpur and 
then to Kuala Kubu, both by rail. From the latter town, 
one either travels by pony or bullock cart for 88 miles along 
a well-made road until Kuala Lipis, the present capital of 
Pahang, is reached. 

Full information as to fares from England to Pahang and 
Singapore is given in Appendix A, in which are also included 
several details that it would be useful for travellers to know. 

The cost of a first class passage from Singapore to Kuala 
Pahang by local steamer varies from $10 to $15 in the calm 
season to $20 to $25 in the rough season. A deck passage 
costs from $2 to $5. 

Steamer communication between Singapore and Pahang is, 
however, somewhat uncertain and unreliable, the more so 
during the north-east monsoon (October to March). During 
these months vessels arrive and leave at fortnightly intervals. 
During the south-west monsoon (April to September), three 
or four steamers are usually on the run, but their movements 
are erratic. 

There is a daily mail service by bullock cart between Posts and 
Kuala Lipis and Selangor, touching at Eaub en route^ leUgraphs. 



114 Sandhook of the 

Time in transit one day between Kuala Lipis and Eaub, and 
four to five days between Selangor and Singapore and Kuala 
Lipis. 

Mails from Europe arrive in Pahang about once a week or 
ten days. It takes about a month for a letter to reach 
Pahang from England. 

There is also a regular postal service within the State, 
maintained by Glovernment river boats which ply between 
Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, and Pekan, three times a month to 
and from. 

Postal communication between Singapore and the coast 
ports of Pekan and Kuantan is by means of local steamers 
which, as already stated, are uncertain in their time-tables. 

Between Pekan and Kuantan mails are sent by boat and 
runner, as may be most convenient at the time. 

Postal charges are as follows : — 

Postcards. — 

Within the State \ 

To the other Federated Malay States / ^ , i 
To the Colony of the Straits I 
Settlements and Johore ...) 

To all other parts of the world ... 3 cents each. . 

Letters — 

Within the State \ 

Tothe other Federated Malay States / per J oz. 3 
The Colony of the Straits Settle- i cents. 

ments and Johore ... ... ) 

To England and all other places j 

which have accepted Imperial > 4 cents. 

Penny Postage ... ... . . . ) 

To places other than those ) o i. 
^. J 1 > o cents, 

mentioned above ... ... ) 

Parcel Rates — 

For British Dependencies and for other countries 
the rates vary. Information can be obtained 
from the Postal Gruide which can be seen at any 
Post Ofiice. For the Straits Settlements, the 
Federated Malay States, and Johore- - 

Under 3 lbs 25 cents. 

„ 7 lbs 45 cents. 

11 lbs 65 cents. 



Federated Malay States. 115 

The rates for books, patterns, and printed papers are very 
low. 

Eegistration can be effected in all the Post Offices of the 
State at a uniform charge of five cents. 

Stout cloth-lined envelopes can be purchased in large and 
small sizes for seven cents and six cents each, respectively. 
This includes the registration fee of five cents which is 
embossed on the cover. 

Money orders in dollar currency are issued at Kuala 
Lipis and Pekan on the Federated Malay States, the Straits 
Settlements and Johore. Those for other countries are 
issued through Singapore in the respective currencies of the 
places on which they are drawn. British Postal Orders are 
also obtainable, the charges for sterling varying according to 
current rates of exchange. 

Commission on Money Orders is as follows : — 

Local ... ... ... 1 per cent, of value, with 

a minimum of 5 cents. 
East of Singapore ... 3 per cent, of value, with 

a minimum of 15 cents. 
India and Ceylon ... 2 J per cent, of value, with 

a minimum of 15 cents. 
G-reat Britain ... 3 per cent, of value, with 

a minimum of 15 cents. 
Other countries ... 3 per cent, of value, with 

a minimum of 15 cents. 

British Postal Orders, 2 cents each, in addition to the cost 
price at Singapore. 

The telegraph mileage in Pahang is 53, the line being an 
extension of the Selangor system. The stations are at Raub 
and Kuala Lipis. 

Direct communication is always open to the Federated 
Malay States and the Straits Settlements over Government 
hnes. All messages to other parts of the world are 
transmitted over the cables of the Eastern Extension, 
Australasia and China Telegraph Company. 

The rates are, per word : — 

To Europe $1-98 to $2-58. 

To India and Ceylon 98 cents to $1'08. 

To China and Japan $1*08 to $2*83. 

To America $278 to $5-38. 

To Australia $218 to $2*68. 



116 



Sandhook of ike 



To Singapore 
Local, ordinary 

„ deferred 

„ urgent 



13 cents to 28 cents. 

3 cents, with a minimum 

of 21 cents. 
1 J cents, with a minimum 

of 21 cents. 
9 cents. 



There are several ports along the Pahang coast, but only 
two of these are frequented by shipping — Kuala Pahang 
and Kuala Kuantan. The former is 18 to 20 hours' steam 
from Singapore, and the latter 20 to 24. 

No vessel drawing over 10 feet of water can enter the 
mouths of the Pahang and Kuantan rivers, and even when 
these small ships come in they have to so time their arrival 
and departure as to take advantage of the high tide. Other- 
wise they run the risk of grounding, and, in rough weather, 
of possible destruction. 

During the south-west monsoon, however, there is, pro- 
vided ordinary care is exercised, practically no danger to be 
encountered at the bars of Pahang rivers that flow into the 
China Sea. On the other hand, the crossing of Pahang bars 
in the north-east monsoon is fraught with some danger, 
owing to the heavy surf and to the shifting nature of the 
channels. 

Prior to 1889, the Pahang coast was entirely closed to 
sea traffic during the north-east monsoon — about six months. 
In that year, however, for the first time in the history of the 
State, the bars of the Pahang and Kuantan rivers were 
successfully crossed by a steamer brought in by the late 
Captain Habekost, Since then, until 1898, the Pahang 
river has been entered without disaster during what is known 
as the " close " season. In December of that year, a new 
ship, the " Perdana," the most comfortable of all the vessels 
that used to run to the east coast of the Peninsula, foundered 
at Kuala Pahang while trying to cross the bar in bad 
weather, and became a total wreck. 

Excepting at Kuala Kuantan, there is no wharf 
accommodation at any Pahang port. Vessels unload into 
and load from boats that go alongside. For the present 
small volume of trade this system answers well. Accidents 
are rare. 



There are twelve vernacular schools in Pahang, situated in 
the most populous villages. Malay reading and writing and 
arithmetic are taught, and the daily attendance averages 



Pederated Malay States. 117 

only about 250 boys for the whole State. All these schools 
are maintained entirely at Grovernment expense. 

Unlike the case in the more advanced States of the 
Federation, education in Pahang has many difficulties and 
prejudices to contend against. A couple of instances may be 
cited. At many villages there are local holy men who warn 
parents that schooling interferes with the boys' study of the 
Koran. Besides, most parents here prefer that their children 
should work in the padi fields instead of spending most of their 
time in school. The Malays of the State have, therefore, ever 
shown but slight disposition to send their children to school. 
This reluctance, however, is being gradually overcome 
through the influence of the District Officers. 

There are no EngHsh schools nor are there any girls' 
schools in Pahang, An English class for Pajas used to be 
maintained a few years ago at Pekan, but proved a failure 
and had to be abolished. Only three pupils (the Sultan's 
sons) attended, but after a space the novelty wore off and 
they took no further interest in their studies. One of the 
difficulties in teaching English to Malays in a place such as 
Pahang is that they have no inducement and but few oppor- 
tunities of speaking the language out of school hours. 

As far as is possible, the health of the natives is well cared Hospitals 
for by Grovernment. The hospitals are practically free to all 
comers. Sulphate of quinine is dispensed freely and 
vaccination is carried out gratuitously on a fairly large scale. 
The bulk of the population is thus well protected against 
small-pox. The principles of modern sanitation are enforced 
in the towns as far as is practicable. 

There are four well-equipped hospitals in the State, con- 
taining accommodation for 128 patients. The hospitals at 
Kuala Lipis and Pekan (42 beds and 18 beds respectively) 
are in charge of qualified European surgeons who are 
assisted by dressers. The hospital at Eaub, the principal 
mining centre, contains 20 beds, and that at Bentong 
provides for 48 patients ; both these hospitals are in charge 
of dressers. There are also Graol hospitals at Kuala Lipis 
and Pekan. In addition to the above, there are private 
hospitals and dispensaries in the different mining centres, 
and these are supported by the mining companies imme- 
diately concerned. 

One thousand one hundred and seventy two cases were 
admitted to the State hospitals in 1900, and 15,200 visits 



lis B^andhook of the 

were recorded at the out-patient departments. These figures 
show a great increase as compared to former years, and 
point to the fact that natives of all classes show an increasing 
disposition to profit by the European medical facilities which 
G-overnment has placed within their reach. 

The principal road in the State is the Pahang Trunk Road, 
which has been constructed by the Public Works Department 
of Selangor at a cost of over a million and a quarter dollars. 
It is an excellent metalled cart road running from Kuala 
Kubu, on the Railway in Selangor, over the main chain of 
mountains to Kuala Lipis ; it is 83 miles in length, of which 
62 miles are in Pahang territory and the rest in Selangor ; 
it passes through the principal mining centres of Ulu 
Pahang ; and, since its completion, has been maintained in 
a high state of efficiency. The mountain range is crossed at 
an elevation of 2,700 feet, and the summit is reached from 
each side by a continuous gradient of one in thirty. 

Another important metalled cart road in Pahang is one 
that connects Tras, a rising town seven miles from Raub and 
47 from Kuala Lipis, with Bentong, where alluvial tin 
mining has recently been started on an extensive scale. Its 
length is 21 miles. 

Among unmetalled earth roads, the chief is the one from 
Raub to Batu Talam in the Lipis valley, a distance of 16 
miles. Another earth road is in course of construction from 
Kuala Lipis along the Jelai river to Kuala Tui, a gold- 
mining village. The old bridle path, which used to be the 
only means of communication between Pahang and Selangor 
prior to the completion of the Trunk Road, is still unkept 
for 27 miles between Penjum and Grali and for short lengths 
between Raub and the Selangor boundary. A bridle path 
is also maintained between Bentong and Grinting Bidai, the 
other junction with the boundary of Selangor, 29 miles in 
length. There are altogether about 75 miles of bridle paths 
in the State, and but a few miles of metalled town streets. 
Rivers and native paths, form the chief and only means of 
internal communication. The approximate length of water- 
ways in Pahang navigable for ordinary river cargo boats is 
about 400 miles. 

But an insiornificant fraction of the total area of the State 
is either owned or occupied. 

There has never been any great outside demand for land 
for permanent occupation in this State, except, perhaps, in 



Federated Malay States. 119 

the immediate vicinity of a few of the more prosperous towns 
and mining centres. 

As in the other States of the Federation, the alienation of 
mining and agricultural land is regulated by the Land and 
Mining Enactments, which can be either obtained locally or 
seen in the Library of the Colonial Office in London. In 
the case of large areas, the efficient working of which would 
necessitate a considerable outlay, special terms are usually 
granted to bond fide investors and settlers. 

As in the other States, all manual labour in Pahang is labour 
performed by Asiatics, chiefly Chinese and Tamils. The 
Pahang Malay does not believe in working to the extent 
which is customary among most races. If what he earns in 
a week will keep him in food for a fortnight, as it usually 
does, he will not leave his village until his money is nearly 
over. Almost all the labour, therefore, has to be performed 
by alien immigrants. 

Compared with the ruling rates in the more advanced 
States of the Federation, wages in Pahang are high, and 
labour is as scarce on the spot here as it is abundant else- 
where. 

In the tin and gold mines the coolies employed are almost 
exclusively Chinese. For road and earth work the labour 
force is composed almost entirely of Indian Tamils. Cart 
and carriage owners and drivers are chiefly Bengalis. The 
few Javanese in the State work as gardeners and syces, and 
sometimes make spasmodic attempts at mining or planting. 
Domestic servants are almost all Chinese, though a few 
Singhalese are also employed as such. The work on which 
the bulk of the Malays are engaged is planting and tending 
their rice fields, searching for jungle produce when money is 
scarce, boat-building, and acting as boatmen on Pahang rivers. 

With the exception of the majority of Chinese working in 
mines, all labourers come under the category of free labour, 
i.e. men who have come into the State at their own expense 
in search of work. The imported Chinese coolie under 
indentures is called a Sinkeh. His transport is paid by the 
employer, and, including advances to the coolie, it costs, on 
the average, about $60 to bring a Sinkeh to Pahang from 
Singapore. In the interior districts the cost is as high as $75 
a man. This initial outlay is generally repaid by the 
labourer by small monthly instalments, and he then becomes 
a Laukeh, free to work or not as he pleases. The Sinkeh 



120 Handbook of the 

system has, in the past, unfortunately proved somewhat of a 
failure in some mines in this State, as the mortality among 
the coolies has, of recent years, heen high. Care has there- 
fore to he exercised in selecting coolies of good physique, so 
as to enahle them to withstand the attacks of heri-heri, fever, 
dysentery, and other climatic diseases to which men working 
in hitherto unopened jungle country are liahle to fall victims 
long before they have repaid the expense incurred in their 
importation. 

The ruling rates of pay for coolie labour in Pahang vary 
in the different districts, being higher in the upper country 
than in the lower, as the following table will show : — 



Chinese Sinkehs 
Chinese Laukehs 
Free Tamils . . . 
Boatmen 



Upper Pahang. 



$7 to §9 per mensem. 
1 1 2 to ^ 1 5 per mensem. 
45 to Qb cts. per diora. 
40 to 50 cts. per diem. 



Lower Pahang. 



|5 to |7 per mensem. 
1 10 to §12 per mensem. 
30 to 40 cts. per diem. 
30 to 40 cts. per diem. 



In the case of Chinese and Tamils, these rates are usually 
paid in addition to house accommodation. Tlie boatmen, 
who are all Malays, find their own quarters when ashore if 
they happen to be hired for a limited period or for any 
specified trip or work. When a boatman is paid a monthly 
salary, his employer provides him with free quarters. In the 
central districts of Pahang, Chinese and Tamil coohes are 
not available as there is no demand for them there. In case 
they are required, they have to be brought from other places 
and special terms have to be made as to wages. 

Skilled native labour, such as carpenters, brick-layers and 
masons, boat-builders, fitters, engine-drivers, etc., is scarce, 
and commands rates of pay ranging from $1 to $3 a day. 
The material obtainable is inferior and is probably not worth 
the money demanded. 

The agricultural resources of the State have been very 
slightly developed. This is due partly to the thinness of the 
population (6 per square mile) ; partly to the ease with which 
natives can obtain profitable employment in the mines, on 
the roads, as boatmen, &c. ; and partly to the natural 
indolence of the Malays, which prevents their turning their 
attention to the cultivation of any produce, other than what 
is actually sufficient for the supply of their own immediate 
wants. 



Federated Malay States. 121 

On the establishment of British Protection in 1888, 
practically the whole of Pahang had been parcelled out by 
the Sultan in large concessions, almost all of which conferred 
exclusive mining as well as planting rights. The latter were 
never utilized to any appreciable extent, and the result is 
that no agricultural progress has to be recorded. Less than 
56 square miles are under permanent cultivation in a State 
14,000 square miles in area. 

European planting enterprise, as it exists in Ceylon and 
India, is unknown on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. 
In past years small areas of coffee were opened up by one or 
two Europeans in Pahang, but were soon abandoned. At the 
present time, the only European-owned plantation in this 
State is at Kuala Pahang, where 2,000 acres of land are being 
planted with coconuts. 

In spite of the fact that but little is at present known of the 
suitability or otherwise of land in Pahang for the cultivation 
of products usually grown in the tropics, such as coffee, tea, 
sugar, pepjDer, gambier, rice, etc., there is no reason to suppose 
that the soil is not suitable for the cultivation of these and 
other tropical products. The obstacles to planting enterprise 
on a large scale in this State are at present numerous. 
Labour is scarce and expensive ; transport facilities are few 
and transport expenses are high ; means of communication 
are defective and slow ; the country is practically unknown 
to the outside world ; these are some of the drawbacks which 
have hindered progress in the past. 

In the appendices to this handbook, full information, 
supplied by planters of experience, is given as to the method 
and cost of opening estates in the Malay Peninsula, and on 
kindred matters. It should, however, be noted that all this 
refers only to the States of Perak, Selangor and Negri 
Sembilan. In Pahang, conditions are different and adverse ; 
and the estimates of expenditure supplied should be increased 
before they can be held to apply to this State under present 
circumstances. 

The chief products of native cultivation in Pahang 
are rice, betel-nuts, coconuts, sugar-cane, maize, bananas 
and fruit of many kinds. Little of these products, with the 
exception of a small quantity of betel-nuts, is exported, and 
the State is largely dependent on imported rice for its 
annual food supply. 

The natives only plant one crop of rice in twelve months, 
although each crop comes to maturity in little over half that 
time. It is the object of the Malay to obtain sufficient rice 



122 Handbook of the 

for his own immediate requirements, and possibly a small 
quantity for sale, the proceeds of which will he sufficient to 
defray the small cost of his raiment and other personal 
expenses. When, as is often the case, the rice is insufficient, 
he ekes out a living by working rattan, gutta and other 
jungle produce. Never does it occur to him to grow 
sufficient to repay the trouble of export. 

Eoughly speaking, each adult male Malay consumes from 
four to five pikuls (532 to 665 lbs.) of rice per annum. An 
average Malay family will consume from 18 to 22 pikuls 
(2,400 to 3,000 lbs.) of rice per annum. In favourable 
seasons, which are unfortunately rare, the average rice 
planter in Pahang obtains from 800 to 1,000 gantangs 
(5,400 to 6,750 lbs.) of padi, or unhusked rice, yielding from 
20 to 25 pikuls (2,660 to 3,325 lbs.) of husked rice, thus 
leaving a small margin for sale. During bad years, the 
average planter's crop sinks to betvs^een 250 and 400 
gantangs (1,500 to 2,400 lbs.) of padi, yielding from six to ten 
pikuls (800 to 1,300 lbs.) of rice. The natives then have 
resort to maize, or to rice purchased from their more 
fortunate neighbours or from the Chinese traders who ply 
their boats on the rivers. From these figures it will be seen 
that even under favourable circumstances only a small 
margin remains over and above the requirements of the 
individual cultivator, and when it is remembered that a large 
portion of the population of the State are consumers, and not 
planters, of rice, it will at once be seen that under the present 
system Pahang cannot grow a supply of rice sufficient for its 
wants. 

The continued poorness of the rice crops in Pahang is in 
a great measure due to the primitive modes of cultivation 
employed by the Malays, to the inefficient implements used, 
and to their persistent disregard of some of the first princi- 
ples of agriculture. Yarious other causes also contribute to 
the same result. 

There are three descriptions of rice or padi land in this 

State, viz : — 

(i.) Wet or swamp land, known locally as bendang^paya, 
or sawah. 

(ii.) Plough land, or tanah tenggala. 

(iii.) Hill land, known as ladang, tanah tugal, or huma. 

Wet padi land, which alone of the three kinds can be 
planted annually without giving the fields a rest, is often 



Federated Malay States. 123 

irrigated rudely by artificial means, a combination of local 
land owners being formed to defray the expenses of the 
undertaking, and it is curious to note that Malays from the 
neighbouring State of Kelantan are frequently hired by the 
natives of Pahang to do the necessary manual labour of 
digging trenches, the natural indolence of the latter 
rendering them disinclined to undertake this work. In 
several parts of Pahang, padi fields are situated in natural 
swamps, and these are, of course, much easier to plant in than 
irrigated areas. 

Plough land consists chiefly of flat alluvial tracts, many of 
which are situated near the lower reaches of the Pahang 
river. This land is not irrigated, the crop being entirely 
dependent for such moisture as is provided by rain and dew. 

Owing to the uncertainty of the seasons, this sometimes 
proves insufficient, while at others the crops are destroyed by 
floods. Plough land cannot be continuously cultivated year 
after year. It is usually planted for four or five seasons, and 
is then allowed to lie fallow for the same period before it is 
used again. 

Hill padi is generally grown along the sides of low hills, 
but often on flat land above flood level. In former years 
this mode of planting entailed the destruction of valuable 
timber, but as ladang cultivation is discouraged by Grovern- 
ment, new fields are now nearly always made in secondary 
jungle. 

Hill or dry rice gives the smallest return, but as it 
requires little care after the padi is sown, it is therefore a 
favourite method of planting among Pahang Malays. 
Swamp rice yields the best crop, but it also entails the most 
labour and is proportionately unpopular. The yield of 
tanah tenggala, or plough land, is somewhat more than that 
obtained from ladang^ or dry fields. 

Manure is quite unknown in rice culture in Pahang, but 
owing to the large quantities of vegetable matter left to rot 
upon the land every year, the impoverishment of the soil is 
not so marked as might have been expected. 

The implements employed in planting and harvesting are 
most primitive and inefficient. The plough used is a clumsy 
wooden instrument which barely succeeds in scratching the 
surface of the soil ; no harrow is used ; and the tuei, which 
is almost universally employed for the purposes of reaping, 
is a small semi-circular blade which is only capable of cutting 
one ear of ripe grain at a time, thus rendering the process 



124 Handbook of the 

of gathering the padi peculiarly slow and painful. Half-a- 
dozen reapers with this instrument will only reap one igii of 
land in 15 days, (an igu is as much land as a single yoke of 
oxen can plough in a season), whereas with the sabit, a kind 
of reaping-hook, which, in some places, has heen introduced 
by natives of Sumatra, the same amount of work can be 
done by two persons in three days. In some districts the 
use of the salit is being adopted by the natives of 
Pahang, but, in most places, they, while admitting the 
superiority of the Rawa tool, are too true to their 
conservative instincts to be willing to accept the innovation. 

The work of cultvation is shared by men and women, the 
latter planting out the young padi grown in the swamps and 
reaping the crop and preparing it for use. 

The most serious obstacle to the cultivation of Pahang rice 
fields lies in the frequent attacks of rinderpest among 
buffaloes. The Pahang Malay, who does not believe in 
manual labour, is entirely dependent upon his cattle for the 
cultivation of both wet and plough land, and in districts 
which have been visited by the disease the crops have 
naturally suffered. Another reason exists for the paucity 
of the rice supply in this State. The crops are often very 
insecurely fenced in, the natives often being satisfied with 
a charm or tangkal bahi, which consists of a line hung upon 
uprights, under which it is piously hoped that no pig will pass. 
Against rats, mice, and bats, noted enemies of the padi crops, 
no precautions are taken other than certain incantations and 
magic ceremonies which are supposed to protect the crops 
from the ravages of these vermin. 

Legislation for regulating padi cultivation has recently 
been introduced and has already had a beneficial effect. 
Grovernment has, by passing a law under which the dates 
for the various stages of planting are fixed by local authority, 
attempted to prevent, as far as possible, the destruction of 
crops by flood or drought, and the damage by pigs, rats, 
and mice is also reduced by this means owing to the fields 
being cleared and planted simultaneously. Efforts have 
also been made by the introduction of new seed from the 
Western States, to improve the crops and increase the 
production of rice. It is generally admitted, however, that 
the only way of largely increasing the area of land under 
padi cultivation in Pahang is by the introduction of foreign 
settlers, but the prospect of rice planters from other parts of 
the Peninsula coming to Pahang to settle permanently is 
unfortunately, owing to various reasons, remote. 



Federated Malay States. 



125 



The following table shows the quantity of rice imported 
into Pahang every year during the past eleven years : — 



1890 






33,461 pikuls. 


1891 






21,526 „ 


1892 






26,249 „ 


1893 






20,000 „ 


1894 






.. 43,418 „ 


1895 






24,923 „ 


1896 






31,984 „ 


1897 






57,864 „ 


1898 






32,300 „ 


1899 






58,897 „ 


1900 






.. 48,226 „ 




Tot 


al 


. 398,848 pikuls. 



This gives an average of 36,259 pikuls, equivalent to 
2,153 tons of rice brought into the State annually. The 
imported grain is considerably more than is required for the 
consumption of the non-agricultural classes of the population, 
and it is thus apparent that a large quantity of it goes to 
feed the Pahang rice planters themselves. The State is 
spending, on a moderate computation, about $200,000 a year 
in rice, which ought to be grown on the hundreds of 
thousands of acres of waste land now lying idle. The 
encouragement of the culture of rice is, therefore, one of the 
most important subjects to which attention can be drawn. 

In the Tembeling district gambler is planted on a small 
scale and appears to thrive. None of it is exported, but the 
quantity produced is sufficient to supply the planters with 
all necessaries. In Johore and other places, this product is 
generally grown in connection with pepper, because the 
refuse gambler is a good manure for the pepper vine ; but in 
Pahang gambler is planted alone, and that solely by Malays. 
No expenditure is incurred in this State other than the 
actual labour — which is done, in his leisure hours, by the 
planter himself and by the members of his family — required 
for keeping the plantation fairly clean, picking the leaves, 
and preparing the article for use. The average profit earned 
by a gambler planter in Pahang is from $25 to $30 per year 
per acre. 

Other products cultivated by natives in Pahang are tapioca 
and coconuts. Chinese have taken up comparatively large 
areas for the former in the Kuantan district, and a few 
small blocks of the latter are planted on the coast. 
9 



126 Handbook of the 

Mining. Prior to 1888, Pahang mines, such as they were, had been 

developed solely by Malays and Chinese, working with the 
most primitive appliances, their pumping machinery consist- 
ing either of buckets attached to long poles, or of Chinese 
water-wheels, and their crushing apparatus of rice-stampers 
tipped with iron. All native mines are merely open workings, 
very ineffectively developed. As an instance of this may 
be mentioned the old Raub mine where the result of ten 
years' continuous working (1879 to 1888) was, in the latter 
year, a hole about 40 feet square at the surface, with a depth 
of about 20 feet. 

On the introduction of the Residential system into Pahang 
in 1889, it was found that all the land in the country of any 
known value had already been parcelled out by the Sultan 
by means of " concessions " for mining and planting. There 
were thirty-nine of them in all, varying considerably in area, 
ranging from two to several hundred, or even thousand, 
square miles. They were very indefinite in terms, but, in 
all of them, a royalty of ten per cent, on minerals was 
reserved to the Sultan, and the import duty on opium was 
fixed at a nominal figure. 

By virtue of a Proclamation which had been issued in 
1885, these concessions were modified by the new Grovern- 
ment, and were recognised on the following terms : — 

[a.) Five years were allowed for prospecting purposes, 
so as to enable the concessionaires to test the 
value of their properties. On the expiration of 
this period, leases were promised for such areas 
of land as the concession-holders could then show 
their ability of working, or causing to be worked, 
effectively and continuously, during the terms of 
their concessions. 

{h.) The preferential opium royalty was abolished, and 
duty was levied on the drug in accordance with 
the rate in force throughout the State. The 
royalty on minerals was reduced from 10% to 5% 
in the case of gold and from 10% to 8% in the 
case of tin. 

These terms were intended to give every encouragement 
and assistance to bond fide enterprise ; whilst, by providing 
for effective and continuous working, they would prevent rich 
mining districts from being anproductively locked up for 
indefinite periods. Much was naturally expected from these 
concessions, but, beyond a little prospecting and considerable 



Federated Malay States. 127 

share-dealing, the results were exceedingly disappointing. 
Luckily, however, almost all of these concessions which had 
not heen worked have since been cancelled, thus throwing 
open to the public the areas hitherto comprised in them. 

Most of the European companies now working in Pahang 
are engaged in the development of mines originally opened 
by natives. The chief of these are Raub, Penjum, Selensing, 
Tui, and Kechau. Of these, the Selensing gold mine is 
perhaps the most curious. It is situated in a small valley 
surrounded by low hills, which in some forgotten period must 
have been the scene of very extensive mining operations. 
The surfaces of these hills are honeycombed with perpen- 
dicular shafts, circular in shape, which in some instances 
penetrate to the water level below the surface of the valley, a 
depth of considerably over 100 feet. Many of these pits are 
placed so close together that a wall of rock not more than 
two feet thick separates them one from another. The 
antiquity of these workings is attested by the apparently 
virgin forest which clothes the hills in which they are situated, 
large slow-growiT7g trees being in some instances found with 
their roots centred in the sides of the shafts. Though more 
or less choked with debris^ the pits are, for the most part, in 
a wonderful state of preservation. The operations of these 
ancient miners were not, however, wholly confined to the 
sinking of circular shafts, for levels and stopes, similar in 
character to those used by the European miner of to-day, 
also formed part of their scheme of excavation- The depart- 
ment of mining in which the chief weakness of these people 
would appear to have lain, was evidently that of their pump- 
ing appliances, since none of these excavations are found to 
extend far below the level of the valley where the miners 
would first have had to contend with any considerable influx 
of water. 

No clue has as yet been obtained which might serve to 
indicate the race to which these miners belonged. The mode 
of mining employed by them differs radically from that in 
use among the Chinese, and the Malays possess no tradition 
on the subject, though they commonly speak of the miners 
as having been of Siamese origin. It must be remembered, 
however, that the Malays of the Peninsula are wont to 
attribute to Siam anything which is clearly neither the work 
of themselves nor of the Chinese. Whatever the race may 
have been, it is evident that it must have attained to a 
considerable degree of mechanical skill, and presumably to 
a fairly high state of civilisation ; and yet, from an examina- 
tion of the excavations, one is led to believe that the race 
9a 



128 Sandhook of the 

which mined them must have been of a somewhat more 
diminutive stature than either the modern Malay or Siamese. 
From the appearance of many portions of these workings, it 
would seem probable that the work of mining was suspended 
suddenly and never resumed, possibly on account of war, an 
epidemic, or some other public calamity. In many places 
rich stone had been broken down, stacked ready for trans- 
port, and then suddenly abandoned, and in some of the 
levels and stopes chutes of ore had been partially worked and 
left in a manner which can only be explained by the 
hypothesis of a sudden interruption. 

Pahang admittedly possesses great internal resources and 
considerable mineral wealth, but the proper development of 
these is beset with many difficulties. Surrounded as the 
State is by some of the richest and most easily worked tin 
fields in the world, the mineral wealth of Pahang would 
need to be well nigh fabulous to enable her to compete 
successfully with her neighbours, so long as she continues to 
labour under the many and heavy disadvantages which at 
present cripple her. 

The principal gold mines in Pahang are situated at Eaub, 
Penjum, Selensing, Tui, and Kechau. In all these places 
gold had been profitably worked by natives, in a primitive 
fashion, long before the British entered the State. Since 
1889, however, these localities have been worked by European 
companies. The average export of gold from Pahang 
between 1895 and 1900 has been about 20,000 ounces a 
year. 

In Pahang the tin mining industry, which has played so 
prominent a part in the development of Perak and Selangor, 
is still in its infancy. The principal alluvial tin mines in 
the State are situated in Bentong, Tras, Batu Talam, and 
the Lipis valley. Nearly all the ore hitherto won in these 
places is from the alluvial washings, technically termed 
tampan workings as opposed to the lombong^ or large alluvial 
mines, which are the most usual modes of mining among 
the Chinese. The average output between 1895 and 1900 
has been about 10,000 pikuls per annum. 

The principal lode tin mines in Pahang are those situated 
at the head-waters of the Kuantan River, which falls into 
the China Sea some miles to the north of the mouth of the 
Pahang Eiver. These workings are the only extensive lode 
tin mines in the Peninsula. The results obtained from them 
have been satisfactory. 



Federated Malay States. 



129 



The expenses attendant on mining in Pahang are great, 
and this fact presents a marked contrast to conditions in the 
States on the West Coast. The vast alluvial deposits of tin 
which have heen the source of the prosperity of Perak and 
Selangor are exactly suited to the requirements of Chinese 
capitalists. They can be worked with comparatively small 
quantities of machinery, and do not, therefore, call for the 
expenditure, as an initial step, of large capital sums. The 
working of gold and tin reefs, however, more especially in 
a country where the huge quantities of water with which 
the miner has to contend make heavy pumping appliances 
indispensable for even prospecting operations, entails the 
sinking of considerable sums before any return can be looked 
for, and this is a prospect which few Chinese capitalists are 
in a position to face. Pahang must therefore look principally 
to European capital for its development. 



Prospecting and mining for gold and tin in this State 
should not be undertaken by poor men, but it certainly offers 
a good probability of a profitable result to individuals 
corporations with sufficient means who will vigorously under 
take it. 



or 



follow 


ing table shows the quantity 


of gold and tin 


3d from 


L Pahang since 1800 : — 




Year. 




Gold. 


Tin. 






Ounces. 


Pikuls. 


1890 




930 


1,522 


1891 




1,227 


2,451 


1892 




3,509 


2,765 


1893 




9,616 


3,026 


1894 




11,805 


7,435 


1895 




15,099 


8,348 


1896 




21,300 


6,759 


1897 




26,420 


6,597 


1898 




22,200 


11,730 


1899 




18,507 


13,465 


1900 


Total 


17,048 


15,728 




147,661 


79,826 



The forests of Pahang are of vast extent, practically Economic 
untouched, and both in the coast and interior districts ^''^^^'^^*- 



130 Handbook of the 

abundant supplies of excellent timber are available. The 
best hard woods are Chengal, Merbau, Tembusu, Bilian, 
Griam, and Medang Tandok, all very valuable and command- 
ing good prices in the market. Other good woods are Balau, 
Klat, Petaling, Meranti, Perawan, Kulim, and Penaga. A 
great many other kinds are to be had in abundance. Of the 
woods mentioned, Chengal {Daphniphyllopsis capitata) is the 
most valuable and always finds a ready market. It is hard, 
heavy, dark and close grained, and resembles Teak. It is 
the most durable of aU native woods. A pretty wood obtain- 
able here is called Kamuning. It is a timber de luxe^ 
resembles satin-wood, and is chiefly used for ornamental and 
fancy work, such as kris sheaths, sireh boxes, &c. 

Pahang woods are most suitable and are much used for 
timbering mining shafts, buildings, bridges, and boats. All 
the timber required in the State for these purposes is cut 
locally. A few years ago the timber industry was in a 
flourishing condition and an export trade was carried on. 
Recently, however, the industry has declined. 

Various kinds of jungle produce are to be had in great 
abundance all over the State. Among those most 
energetically worked may be mentioned gutta, rattans, 
gharu or eaglewood, and resins. 

A considerable quantity of different kinds of gutta has in 
the past been exported from Pahang. There are several 
varieties obtainable, but the most valuable is called Taban 
[Dirhopsis GiiUeri), which is an essential material in the 
construction of submarine cables, and is only to be found in 
the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and 
Borneo. It is a very slow-growing tree, and, when it 
has attained a girth of three feet in circumference, which it 
takes about thirty years to do, it yields about two catties, or 
2f lbs. of gutta. Pure Pahang taban commands a high 
price in the Singapore market, and the inducement for its 
collection is consequently great. But gutta-hunters, especially 
in a densely wooded country like Pahang, do not, as a rule, 
scruple about the destruction of immature trees in order to 
obtain a few ounces of the gum from each, and their action 
in this respect has compelled the Grovernment to endeavour 
to protect its rubber-bearing forests by prohibiting, under 
pain of heavy penalties, the collection of the taban variety 
of gutta. 

The following kinds of gutta are at present being worked 
in Pahang : — percha, putch, grep, rambong, sondik, 



Federated Malay States, 



131 



jelelong, and palan. The first of these should not be 
confounded with taban, to which it is much inferior in 
quality. The prices obtained for these varieties are 
considerably smaller than that paid for taban. 

Considerable quantities of rattans are exported annually, 
no less than a dozen different kinds being regularly 
collected. They grow wild and in great profusion through- 
out the State. No attempt has ever been made to cultivate 
them, though there seems to be no reason why they should 
not be planted and give good returns. In this connection it 
should be noted that " JJalacca canes," which are made into 
walking sticks, is somewhat of a misnomer. This cane 
grows wild throughout the Peninsula, and is by no means, 
as its name would seem to imply, a product the growth of 
which is confined to Malacca. The local name for it is rotan 
semambu. 

Appended is a table giving the approximate values of all 
kinds of jungle produce exported through the coast ports of 
Pahang during the past seven years : — 



Year. 


Timber and 
Firewood. 


Gutta. 


Rattans, Gharu or 

Eaglewood, Resins, 

&c., &c. 


1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 


11,884 
11,413 
12,622 
75,592 
46,487 
33,051 
43,249 


112,732 
42,720 

17* 

73,041 

108,280 

196,229 

195,670 


66,621 
78,202 
98,938 
133,945 
55,407 
61,069 
93,005 


Total 


234,298 


728,689 


587,187 



* Gutta working prohibited. 



Fruits that are indigenous to the Malay Peninsula are as Fruit. 
abundant in Pahang as in the other States, and the variety 
is equally great. They are cheap. 

The two most prominent Malayan fruits are the Durian 
and the Mangosteen. The former is a large fruit 
about the size of a man's head, with a strong thorny 



132 Eandhook of the 

covering, and is a great favourite with all natives and with 
many Europeans. Its smell is offensive, hut with this there 
is strangely associated a delicious flavour which gives it, not- 
withstanding the odour, a foremost place among tropical 
fruits. The durian is also much liked hy other animals 
hesides man. Bears, squirrels, tigers, elephants, cattle, 
horses, goats, monkeys, and dogs all eat it when they get 
the chance. The mangosteen is a delicious and wholesome 
fruit, ahout the size of an orange, and, in the opinion of 
many, is preferable to the durian. But natives much prefer 
the durian. 

During the seasons owners of orchards hve entirely upon 
the sale of their fruits. In many cases the produce of the 
gardens is farmed out, and this brings in an income to the 
owner without any trouble or labour on his part to collect the 
fruit for the market. 



Grood vegetables are rarely obtainable in Pahang. A little 
gardening is done by Chinese in the vicinity of one or two 
towns, but the produce they sell is not of high quality. 
European vegetables are not grown, but they may be pur- 
chased in limited variety preserved in tins. 



The number of buffaloes in Pahang is small; 17,576 
according to a cattle census taken at the end of 1900. 
Almost all these animals belong to Malays who use them 
during the planting season for ploughing their padi fields. 
When not so employed, that is, for about nine months in the 
year, the buffaloes are left to their own devices and spend 
most of their time in the jungle. A few of these animals 
belong to Chinese who use them for dragging timber from 
the jungle. 

The number of bullocks in the State is returned at 388", 
while of horses there are probably not more than a score. 
Groats and sheep are almost as rare. Pigs are reared in the 
vicinity of towns by a few Chinese for the butcher, and 
poultry is as scarce as it is poorly fed and of inferior quality. 
This exhausts the list of live stock in Pahang, which is a 
country that is not well adapted to the breeding of any kind 
of stock. 

Einderpest frequently plays great havoc among cattle in 
Pahang. During 1900, over 5,000 buffaloes and many 
bullocks succumbed to the disease. 



levies. 



Federated Malay States, 133 

Fishing is an important soiirce of livelihood to East Coast Fish and 
Malays in general. No restrictions in the shape of taxes are Ftshe-- 
placed on river fisheries in Pahang, because the fish caught 
is primarily intended for the consumption of the peasants 
themselves, and, except in a few instances, is not meant for 
sale. In the interior villages, most of the fishing is done by 
women who are satisfied with sufficient for their own imme- 
diate requirements. The fishing class of natives in places 
such as Penang, Singapore, Ceylon, Burmah, and India, is 
notoriously a turbulent one, and disputes, often amounting 
to serious disturbances, are by no means uncommon among 
them. But, in Pahang, the reverse is the case, and there is 
no instance on record in river fisheries in this State in which 
any dispute or trouble has been caused over questions con- 
nected with fisheries. All Malays in Pahang have an equal 
right to fish in rivers, and each owner of a swamp or pond 
has the exclusive right of fishing in his property, and thus, 
by the observance of these simple and primitive rules, no 
trouble is ever caused. 

There are four modes of river fishing practised in 
Pahang : — 

(i) nets, (ii) traps, (iii) stakes, (iv) lines. Of the 
first, there are five kinds of nets used, called, respectively, 
anggoh or doran, chendek, Jala, Jaring, and pukat. These 
are all worked each in a different manner, but, in point of 
general acceptance and popularity, the pukat comes first and 
the jaring next, a considerably larger quantity of fish being 
caught by means of these two nets than is the case when any 
of the others are used. Of traps, there are no less than 
eleven kinds employed in different parts of the State, 
viz. : — bubu or liikah, ranggas, singgit, sukap, timr, setapu, 
temilan or pengilan, terubin, sibar, tanggok, and Jut. Most 
of these traps are made of rattan, or some specially light 
wood, such as bembau or kerdau, and those most fancied by 
the people who use them are bubu or lickah, ranggaa, setapu, 
and sukap. There are four kinds of fishing stakes used, 
named, blat, Jerernal, langgai, and merian, and of these blat 
finds most favour. With regard to line-fishing, the term 
Joran is applied to the rods, and the reels are called variously, 
pupal, kekili, pret, and ampoyan. Hooks, in general, are 
termed kail, but kail rendang is applied to a hook baited 
with vegetable matter, and kail pepas is a hook used in the 
way in which a fly-fisher uses his rod. 

River fish is obtainable in great variety, there being no 
fewer than 43 different kinds in Pahang waters. They are 



134 Handbook of the 

not, however, wholesome eating. Several kinds of fish are 
also found in swamps and ponds, these being mostly caught 
for food by the poorer classes of Malays. Every one in 
Malaya has either seen or heard of the pugnacious Httle fish 
called Karin. Malays rear these tiny things and have sport 
out of them by matching them to fight each other, laying 
bets on the result, which always means the death of one of 
the tiny combatants if they are allowed to fight to a finish. 
The drugging of fish by means of the tuba root, and then 
spearing them as they fioated stupefied on the surface of the 
water, used to be a common practice in Pahang, but is now 
seldom had recourse to. A tuba fish is a stock entertainment 
among Malay Eajas whenever they are visited by a Grovernor 
or other exalted official. The use of both tuba and dynamite 
for taking fish is now forbidden in this State. 

The sea fisheries are, of course, more lucrative than the 
fresh water ones, but the industry is one that only a few 
Pahang Malays engage in. In fact, one can seldom see a 
boat going out to sea with a crew composed solely of natives 
of the country. The men employed in the sea fisheries are 
principally Kelantan and Trengganu Malays, numbers of 
whom enter Pahang at the beginning of the season, and 
who, in many cases, settle here permanently. 

The sea fishery brings in a fair revenue to Government, 
as the boats are licensed, a sliding scale of dues being in 
force. There is also an export duty of 12J cents per pikul 
payable on all fish sent out of the country. In cases where 
fishing stakes are used at sea, a small monthly charge is 
levied. A fairly large quantity of salted and dried fish is 
exported annually from the coast districts of Pahang, but 
this branch of the fishing industry has not yet reached such 
proportions as is the case in Trengganu and Kelantan, from 
which States a considerable business is done in this line. 

The principal fishing settlements in Pahang are at 
E/ompin, Kuala Pahang, Penoh, Berserah and Grebing — 
all on the coast. Of these the most important is Berserah, 
in the Kuantan district. The Kuala Pahang fishermen are 
almost entirely occupied in supplying fresh fish to Pekan, the 
former capital of the State and still the Sultan's Seat, and 
the rapidity with which boatloads of fish are there bought 
up for local consumption is remarkable. At Kuala Pahang, 
both nets and lines are the methods employed, the boats used 
being the koleh., a small boat with a crew of three, and, 
during rough weather, the jalak^ a large seaworthy boat 
measuring about 30 feet long by 10 feet beam. There are 



Federated Malay States. 135 

other kinds of boats used iu the different settlements, and 
their Malay names are : — pukat chang, puhnt dalam^ pukat 
tancjkul and inikat tancjgoli. The first named is an 
expensive boat, costing about $250 with net complete, and 
the pukat da lam is also dear, as it costs about $200 to buy 
one with all the tackle complete. 

Sea fish is obtainable in large quantities and in great 
variety, there being nearly a hundred different kinds sold on 
the Pahang coast. It is, however, impossible to keep them 
fresh for more than a few hours. The inhabitants of inland 
districts, therefore, can never get a bit of sea fish unless they 
go to the coast. The price has risen enormously during the 
past few years, quite one hundred per cent, over and above 
the rates ruling in 1889. All along the Pahang coast, sea 
turtles abound, and their eggs, found in the sand in large 
quantities, are much prized by the natives for food. 

The only diving fishery in Pahang is that carried on, 
on a small scale, at and near the Island of Tioman, and 
the various islets belonging to this State on that part of 
the coast. Diving is carried on entirely by the Orang 
hersuku, or Sakai Laut^ who are natives of the Aor and 
Tinggi Islands, and who are capable of diving, without 
artificial means, to a considerable depth. They obtain a 
certain quantity of heche-de-mer^ and also a shell known 
as gewang, from which the common pearl buttons are made. 
They are timid and inoffensive, and are now so far under 
control that they take out yearly licenses for fishing, 
returning, however, during the north-east monsoon, to their 
homes on the Aor and Tinggi Islands. During the calm 
weather these people live almost entirely in boats, and 
may then be frequently met with in the small bays and 
inlets of Tioman, Sri Buat, and the other neighbouring 
Islands. It is believed that these ISaka/ Laut occasionally 
bring up pearl oysters, and it is probable that there may be 
pearl beds round these Islands. 

Fresh water fisheries in Pahang are of no account, but the 
sea fisheries, though still in their infancy, form an important 
industry. The people engaged in them are peaceful and 
law-abiding, and disputes among them are of very rare 
occurrence. In every fishing community in Pahang the 
fishermen elect a headman whom they obey and depend 
upon in all matters concerning their welfare. There have 
been cases on record in which, simply because they wish to 
follow their headmen, whole villages have removed from one 
part of the coast to another. Similarly, the reason for their 



136 Handbook of the 

arrival in Pahang often given by new comers from Kelantan 
and Trengganu, is that their former headman has removed to 
this State, and they want to be with him. The fishing 
population along the Pahang coast is increasing. 

Water supplies. Grenerally in Pahang it is not at all difficult to find 
abundant water, rivers being numerous, but in some towns, 
notably at Kuala Lipis, it is not always easy to obtain a 
sufficient supply. 

At Raub, a scheme for a proper public water supply, 
brought in from hill springs, stored in reservoirs, and 
distributed by means of stand-pipes, has just been completed, 
and is a great boon. 

A somewhat similar scheme for Kuala Lipis is now under 
consideration, but the water will be obtained from the Jelai 
Piver which is swift and not appreciably polluted by the 
few scattered villages up-stream. 

At Pekan, Kuantan, and elsewhere in Pahang, water is 
obtained from rivers which answer present requirements. 
The use of surface wells is discouraged in the towns. 

Cost of living. The cost of living in Pahang is heavy. In the coast 
districts of Pekan and Kuantan it is less expensive than in 
the upper country, but even in those places the general rise 
in the cost of everything in the east has made living more 
expensive than it used to be some years ago. 

The domestic servants in Pahang are almost entirely 
Chinese, but it is often difficult to get satisfactory men. 

The following are the ruling rates of monthly wages for 
native servants : — 

Cooks $15 to $20. 

[It is impossible to get a man for less than $15.j 

House Boys $12 to $18. 

Gardeners $12 to $15. 

Water Carriers - ... $10 to $12. 

Ayahs $15 to $20. 

A bachelor living by himself can engage a man who will 
act both as boy and cook on the wages of a cook. 



Federated Malay States. 137 

Means of transport are at present somewhat limited . Means of 
From Selangor to Pahang the Trunk Eoad,^ 83 miles in i^'^^'port- 
length, is maintained in good condition and is suitable for 
gharries, bicycles, and bullock carts These conveyances, 
with the exception of bicycles, can be hired at both ends of 
the road, but the gharries obtainable are of an inferior 
description. Eickshaws, which are plentiful in the other 
States, and which are convenient for short distances, are not 
available in Pahang. 

At the time of writing, an English company is making 
arrangements to place motor cars on the Pahang Trunk 
Eoad. This means of conveyance will supply a long felt 
want, and will be much appreciated by the travelling public. 

The journey from Singapore to Upper Pahang, by steamer 
to Pekan, and from there up river by boat to Kuala Lipis, at 
present occupies about a fortnight. The Pahang Piver is 
navigable for shallow-draft steam launches, but there are none 
at present in the State. Boats for the river journey can 
easily be hired at Pekan, where also crews can be engaged. 

The average rates of transport, which are high, are as Itates of 

follows:— transport 

For Passengers : 

By gharry ... ... 35 cents a mile. 

By bullock cart ... 20 „ „ „ 

In both these cases the passenger has the whole gharry or 
cart to himself. Except in the case of natives, however, it is 
seldom that more than one person travels in a cart or gharry. 
The charge for a single seat in a bullock 'bus is 5 cents a 
mile. If one engages the whole 'bus then 50 cents a mile is 
the fare usually paid. 

G-oods over the trunk road are transported for short 
distances by arrangement with the cart-owner. The fare is 
usually 50 cents a mile for a fully laden cart. If a cart is 
engaged for a long distance, the rate is the same as for 
passengers, i.e., 20 cents a mile. Forwarding agents in 
Kuala Kubu charge at the rate of $3 a pikul for goods sent 
from there to Kuala Lipis, a distance of 83 miles. 

Eiver freight from Pekan to Kuala Lipis costs about 
$1*50 a pikul. As an alternative, boats can be hired, but 
there is no fixed rate of payment, though a fairly large boat 



138 Handbook of the 

can always be hired for from $20 to $30 for the trip. In 
that case, a crew has to be specially engaged. A boatman 
can be hired for $10 for the trip, with $15 for the steersman. 
If time is of no moment, from six to eight polers will bring 
a large boat, fully laden, from Pekan to Kuala Lipis in 
anything between three weeks and a month. That would 
cost about a hundred dollars for a boat capable of holding 
about 125 pikuls of goods. If despatch is desired, the 
journey can be done in about five days by poling both night 
and day, but then the crew will have to be doubled, thus 
doubling the expense. It should be remembered that in 
hiring a whole boat for a specified trip, the hirer is responsible 
that the boat is safely returned to the owner within a given 
time. 



Aecommoda- There are Grovernment rest-houses at Eaub, Kuala Lipis, 
uonfor Pekan, and Kuala Pahanar. These are furnished and are 

Travellers. . , ' „ , , *=• 

m charge oi caretakers. 

The charge for occupation and use of bedroom is one 
dollar per head per diem. The rest-house keepers at Paub 
and Kuala Lipis will board visitors at a charge of $2' 50 
a day, or at proportionate rates for single meals. At Pekan 
and Kuala Pahang there is no fixed charge, but the cost of 
a day's board will not exceed $1*50 a head. 

Should travellers prefer it, they can board themselves 
at any of the rest-houses, but in that case their own servants 
will have to cook. 

Liquor is provided at current local prices. 

Government Officers on duty take precedence of ordinary 
travellers in the matter of accommodation at Grovernment 
rest-houses. A time limit of occupation is fixed for visitors, 
but they may continue their stay, provided sanction is 
obtained from the local authorities. 

Stables are attached to the rest-houses at Eaub and 
Kuala Lipis, and no additional charge is made for their 
use, but the visitor's horse must be attended to by his own 

syce. 

In addition to the rest-houses, halting bungalows, in 
charge of caretakers, are situated at convenient intervals 
along the trunk road. Passing travellers may use these 
bungalows without charge. Food and refreshment can be 
obtained by arrangement with the caretakers. 



men. 



Federated Malay States. 139 

Compared with the Western States, people in Pahang Sanitaria. 
are in an unfortunate position in not having a place 
conveniently situated to which they can go for the sake of 
their health. At present, whenever a change is required, 
one has to go to one of the sanitaria in the other States or 
the Colony. 

There are no openings in Pahang for professional men, Openings for 
nor are there any for European artisans. The only -^'''^Z^***^*^^^ 
professions represented in the State are the Medical, the """ 
Surveying and the Engineering, and these are represented 
by only a few gentlemen, almost all of whom are in the 
G-overnment Service. 

The few mining companies working gold and tin in the 
State usually get their assistants from England, America, 
or Australia, or engage them in Singapore. 

There are at present no clerical openings in Pahang for Clerks. 
Europeans. 

European domestic servants, both male and female, are Domestic 
unknown in this State. servants. 

There are not many inducements for individual planters Tianters and 
or miners to start business in Pahang on their own account. -^*^^»'«- 
It must not be forgotten that this State is not a country for 
persons with small capital. Planting or mining enterprise, to 
be eventually successful in Pahang, demands large sums as 
preliminary outlay. 

It is strongly recommended that Europeans should not 
come to Pahang in search of employment. 

Pahang is divided, for administrative purposes, into five Districts and 
districts (Pekan, Kuantan, Temerloh, Lipis, and Eaub), Towns. 
under the charge of European ofiicers who are directly 
subordinate to the Eesident. 

The present capital of the State is Kuala Lipis, at the 
mouth of the river of that name. It is situated in the most 
prosperous and populous district in Pahang ; is about 200 
miles by river from the port of Kuala Pahang ; is connected 
with Kuala Kubu, in the adjoining State of Selangor, by an 
excellent metalled cart-road 83 miles in length, and is 
practically in the centre of the Malay Peninsula. 



140 Handbook of the 

As a place of residence, however, Kuala Lipis has its 
drawbacks. It is at times unhealthy ; it is expensive ; it is 
an interior station ; its climate is not so good as that of the 
coast : and, lastly, it does not present many attractions to 
those who live in it. 

The former capital of Pahang was Pekan, ahout seven 
miles by river from the port of Kuala Pahang. It is healthy ; 
it is cheap ; it is near the sea ; it is within easy reach of 
Singapore ; it is the seat of the Sultan and his Court ; its 
climate is good ; and, therefore, it is a desirable place to live 
in. 

Other chief places in Pahang are : — Eaub, a thriving town, 
the centre of the gold and alluvial tin mining industry of 
the State ; Kuantan on the coast, the head-quarters of the 
district of that name in which the principal deep lode tin 
mines of the Peninsula are worked ; Chenor, Temerloh, 
Pulau Tawar, agricultural centres situated on the Pahang 
Eiver ; Tras, Tranum, Bentong, rising towns in Ulu Pahang ; 
Selensing, Tui, and Kechau, important gold localities in the 
Jelai valley; Tembeling, as noted for its earthenware as 
Pekan is for its mats and silk sarotigs (the latter the national 
garment), finally, Tanjong Besar and Budu in the Lipis, two 
of the largest native kampongs^ or villages, in the interior. 

Means of inland communication throughout Pahang, which 
are at present defective, are confined chiefly to the wide 
spreading river system. TravelHng from place to place in 
the State still involves delay and discomfort, though matters 
have improved of recent years. 

In the interior there are numerous native paths threading 
the jungles in every direction, and there are also jungle tracks 
which form inland connections with Kelantan, Trengganu, 
Perak, Selangor, and the Negri Sembilan. In Ulu Pahang 
there are paths from Pulai, a Chinese gold-mining settlement 
of some importance in Ulu Kelantan, to the Serau, Tanom, 
and Kechau districts ; also from the Lebir in Kelantan to Ulu 
Sat, and from Dun gun to Janing in Ulu Tembeling. There 
is a way from Grelating to Budu on the Lipis, used by Malays 
passing between Perak and Pahang, and there are paths 
connecting Pekan and Kuantan, Eompin and Johore, and 
also numberless other tracks leading to comparatively little 
known villages. 

The Pahang Eiver is the principal one in the State. From 
Kuala Pahang on the coast to Kuala Lipis, the present 



Federated Malay States. 141 

capital, the journey is done by boat and usually occupies 
about a fortnight. The distance is about 200 miles, and the 
boat is poled against the stream. Groing down river, however, 
Pekan can easily be reached in five days. Other navigable 
rivers are the Lipis^ the Jelai, the Semantan, and the Tem- 
beling. The first named is rock-bound and impassable 
beyond 17 miles from its mouth ; and so is the Jelai beyond 
Kuala Medang, three days' poling up river from Kuala Lipis. 
The Semantan leads to Raub through the Bilute, and the 
Tembeling is the interior route to Ulu Kelantan. These are 
main streams. There are several minor rivers navigable for 
small craft only. 



Sport. — There are practically no amusements in Pahang, Sport. 
and social attractions are nil. 

Pahang is well stocked with big game of almost every 
description to be met with in the East, but its pursuit can 
only be undertaken by men with plenty of means and an 
abundance of time. Under the heading of " Sports," Part 
I. of this Handbook gives useful information as to the arms 
and ammunition required for big and small game shooting. 
Some of the best snipe-shooting in the Peninsula is to be 
had in Pahang. 



10 



APPENDICES, 



144 



Handbook of the 



APPEN 



England to Penang 



No. 



10 



Ports of Arrival. 



Penang 



Penan? 



Penang 



Penanc 



Penang 



Penang' 



Penan> 



Singapore. 



Singapore . 



Singapore . 



Singapore . 



Singapore. . 



Name of Company. 



P. & O. S.S. Company 



Port and Date 
OF Sailing. 



Compagnie des Messa- 
geries Maritimes. 



North German Lloyd 
(N or d deutsc her 
Lloyds). 



Nippon Yusen Kaisha 
(Japan Mail Steam- 
ship Company). 



Austrian Lloyds S.N.C 



Singapore. 



Singapore. 



Singapore . 



Singapore. , 



Singapore. 



Glen Line 



Shire Line 



Mutual S.S. Company. 



Ben Line 



lloyal Danish Line, 
D e t Ostasialiske 
Kompagni. 



London, Marseilles, 

Every week. Mail and 
Intermediate boats 
alternately. 



Marseilles, connecting 
with London by rail. 
Every 28 days by 
direct, and every 28 
days by indirect route. 



Antwerp, Southampton, 
and Bremen. Every 
month. 



London, Southampton," 
and Marseilles. Every 
fortnight. 



Trieste and Brindisi. 
Once a month on the 
20th. 



London. 



Loiidon. 



London and Marseilles. 



Copenhagen, Antwerp, 
Gothenburg, and Port 
Said. 



Federated Malay States. 



145 



DIX A 



AND Singapore. 



Fares. 



MaU— 

1st class, £61. 
2nd class, £38. 

Intermediate — 
1st class, £50. 
2nd class, £35. 

Local passage, Penang 
to Singapore, ^25. 

From London(byRail) — 

1st class, £61. 

2nd class, £41 4s. 

From Marseilles— 

1st class, £56. 

2nd class, £37 4s. 

3rd class, £20 8s. 



Singapore — 
1st class, l,420marks. 
2nd class, 700 marks. 
3rd class, 320 marks. 



Singapore — 

1st class, £35. 
2nd class, £25. 



2nd class, £30, and 
deck with food, £13. 



1st class, £35. 
No second class. 



1st class, £35. 
No second class. 



1st class, £30. 



Duration of 
Voyage. 



Mail— 

25 to 26 days. 

Intermediate — 
30 to 35 days. 



22 and 23 days. 



About 1 month. 



31 to 40 days. 



About 34 days. 
35 to 40 days. 



Remarks. 



By Mail, Passengers change at 
Colombo, but come direct by 
Intermediate. Overland fares, 
London to Marseilles, 1st class, £5; 
2nd class, £4 ; above fares from 
London. 



Calling at Marseilles, Port Said, 
Suez, Aden, Bombay, and Co- 
lombo. Table wine and certain 
other privileges are included. 



The mark is at 20i to the £ 



Also sail from Antwerp. 
All direct to Singapore. 



2nd class only, mostly cargo. Tran- 
shipping at Bombay. An accele- 
rated service with 1st class is run 
as far as Bombay, leaving Trieste 
on the 3rd, and Brindisi on the 
4th of each month. 



Good accommodation, but 
irregularly. 



sail 



No regular service, and special 
arrangements must be made. 



Only three steamers on the line. 
Very good accommodation. 



146 



Handbook of the 







England to Penang 


No. 


London Agents. 


Penang Agents. 






yP. & 0. 8.S. Co.) 






1 


P. & 0. Company, 

122, Leadenhall Street, London, E.G. 

{Compagnie Messageiies Maritimes.) 


Gilfillan, Wood & Co 




2 


West End Branch, 

51, Pall Mall, S.W ; 
C. Bertrand, Agent-Genet al ; also 
GeUatly, Hankey & Co., 

33, Gordon Street, Glasgow ; and 
Fletcher & Co., 

Mersey Buildings, James Street, Liverpool. 

[North German Lloyd.) 


Bouatead & Co. 




3 


KeUer, Wallis <fe Co., 

32, Cockspnr Street, Charing Cross, S.W. 
Phillips & Graves, 

Botolph House, Eastcheap. E.C. 

{Japan Mail Steamship Co.) 


Behn, Meyer & Co 




4 


Nippon Yusen Kaisha, 

9 & 11, Fenchurch Avenue, E.C. ; 
also at Glasgow, A. R. Brown, 

24, George Square. 

{Austrian Lloyds S.N. Co.) 


E. Boustead & Co 




5 


Hickie, Borman & Co., 

Billiter Street and Waterloo Place ; and 
Thos. Cook & Son, 

Ludgate Circus. 

[Glen Line.) 


Schmidt, Kustermau & Co. 




6 


38, Leadenhall Street, London ; 
MacGregor, Gow & Co., . 
1, East India Avenue, E.C. 

{Shire Line.) 


E. Boustead & Co 




7 


Messrs. Jenkins & Co., 

38, Leadenhall Street, London. 

{31utual S.S. Co.) 


Sandilands, Buttery & Co. 




8 


{Ben Line.) 


Behn, Meyer & Co. . . : . 




9 


{Jioyal Banish Line.) 


Sandilands, Buttery & Co. . . 




10 









Federated Malay States. 



147 



AND Singapore. 



Singapore Agents. 



P. & 0. Offices. 
Collyer Quay. 

New Harbour. 



De Bure, Agent. 



BeLn, Meyer & Co. . . 



Paterson, Simons & Co. 



Austrian Lloyd's Agents. 
Rantenberg, Schmidt & Co. 



Boustfad & Co., 

16, Collyer Quay, 

Singapore. 



Boustead & Co. 



Boustead & Co. 



Paterson, Simons & Co. 



Guthrie & Co., 
Singapore . 



Various. 



Full details in free P. & O. handbook. Luggage 

allowed, fii'st class, 33 > lbs. ; second class, 168 lbs. 

Children from 8 to 12 years of age, half fare ; one 

under 3 years free. 
Steamers touch at Marseilles, Port Said, Aden, and 

Colombo. 
Similar fares and sailings on homeward voyage. 

There are two routes — 

1st. Direct, without transhipment, via Colombo, 

Suez, Port Said, and Marseilles, takes 23 days. 
2nd. Transhipment at Colombo to Australian Line, 
20 days. 

Tickets from Marseilles to London are issued at : — 
first class, £5 ; second class, £4 ; if booked at 
London Office, 3 cwts. of baggage free and heavy 
luggage conveyed Jree from Marseilles to London by 
steamer every week. 

Touching at Genoa, Naples, Port Said, Suez, Aden, 

and Colombo. 
The second class accommodation is particularly good 
on this line. Children under 3 years of age, free. 
40 cubic feet of baggage, free. 



No transhipment necessary for Singapore. First class 
allowed 40 cubic feet of baggage; second class, 30 
cubiefeet. 

Steamers call at Colombo, Suez, Port Said, and Mar- 
seilles. 

Reduction of £10 for embarking at Port Said. 

Children 4 to 12, half-fare ; one under 4, free. 

Free handbook issued. Baggage, 3 cwt. for first class, 
and 2 cwt. for second clats is conveyed free from 
London to Port Said. If passengers travel by the 
ordinary boat, thfty have to supply their own food 
and lodging during the stay at Bombay. 

Tickets are interchangeable with the Messageries 
Maritimes Company. 

Call at Port Said, Suez, Aden, Karachi, Bombay, and 
Colombo. 

No second class. Other regulations similar to (4). 



No second class. Other regulations similar to (4). 



No regular service is maintained. 



148 



Handbook of the 



\ Move- 

Straits Steamship Co., 
Out- 



steamers. 



S.S. "Penang" 
S.S."HyeLeong' 
S.S. " Malacca " 



S.S. "BanWhatt 
Hin." 

S.S. "Sappho" 



Leave 
Singapore. 



Monday, 
5 p.m. 

Tuesday, 

4 p.m. 

Wednesday, 

5 p.m. 

Friday. 
5 p.m. 

Satiirday 
5 p.m. 



Arrive 
Malacca. 



Tuesday 
6 a.m. 



Thursday 
Sam. 

Saturday, 
6 a.m. 

Sun day 
5 a.m. 



Leave 
Malacca. 



Tuesday, 
6.15ra.m. 



Thursday, 
5.15 a.m. 

Saturday, 
6.15 a.m. 

Sunday, 
6 a.m. 



Arrive Leave 

Port Port 

Dickson. Dickson. 



Thursday 
9 a.m. 



Sunday 
10 a.m. 



Thursday, 
10.30 a.m. 



Sunday, 
10.30 a.m. 



Home- 



Steamers. 



S.S. "Penang" 
S.S."HyeLeong" 
S.S. "Malacca" 



S.S. "BanWhatt 
Hin." 

S.S. "Sappho" 



Leave 
Teluk Anson, 



Thursday, 
5.3iJ p.m. 



Saturday, 



Arrive 
Port 

Swettenham. 



Friday, 
6 a.m. 



Sunday, 
6 a.m. 



Leave 

Port 

Swettenham. 



Friday, 
8.30 a.m. 

Friday, 
5 p.m. 

Sunday, 
8.3U a.m. 

Monday, 
5 p.m. 

Tuesday, 
5 p.m. 



Arrive 

Port 

Dickson. 



Friday, 
2 p.m. 



Sunday, 
2 p.m. 

Tuesday, 
5 a.m. 



Leave 

Port 

Dickson. 



Friday, 
3.30 p.m. 



Sunday, 
3.30 p.m. 

Tuesday 



"Lady Weld" leaves Teluk Auson on Wednesdays and Saturdays for Penang, 

the " Malacca." 

Only the " Lady Weld " and " Hye Leong " carry second class passengers. Deck 
excess, 20 cents per cuhic foot. 



Extra boats are sometimes run. 



S.S. " Sappho," 532 tons, 18 first class berths; 
S.S. " Malacca," 653 tons, 24 first class berths ; 
S.S. "Hye Leong," 492 tons, 12 first class berths 



Federated Malay States, 



149 



MENTS. 

Limited. — Steamers. 

ward. 



Ari'ive 

Port 

Swettenham. 


Leave 

Port 

Swettenham. 


Arrive 
Teluk Anson. 


Remarks. 


Tuesday, 
4.15 p.m. 

Tuesday, 

3 p.m. 

Thursday, 
4.15 p.m. 

Saturday, 
4.15 p.m. 

Sunday, 

4 p.m. 


Tuesday, 
4.30 p.m. 

Thursday, 
4.30 p.m. 

Saturday, 
4.30 p.m. 


Wednesday, 
7 a.m. 

Friday, 
7 a.m. 

Sunday, 
7 a.m. 


1st and 2nd class passages. 

Port Dickson, mails and passengers only. 



ward. 



Arrive 
Malacca. 


Leave 
Malacca. 


Arrive 
Singapore. 


Remarks. 


Friday, 
8 p.m. 


Friday, 
8.30 p.m. 


Satm-day, 
8.30 a.m. 


1st and 2nd Class passages. 


Saturday 


Saturday 


Sunday 




Sunday, 
8 p.m. 


Sundav, 
8.30 p.m. 


Monday, 
8.30 a.m. 




Tuesday, 
5 a.m. 


Tuesday, 
5 p.m. 


Wednesday, 
7 a.m. 




Wednesday, 
5 a.m. 


Wednesday, 
6 a.m. 


Wednesday, 
5 p.m. 


Malacca, mails and passengers only. 



returning thence on Tuesdays and Fridays, connecting with the "Penang" and 

1st January, 1899. 

passages by " Sappho " only. First class passengers are allowed half a ton of luggage ; 



passenger licence, 385. 
passenger licence, 240. 
and 4 second class ; passenger licence, 230. 



150 



Mandhook of the 



Straits Steamship Co., Ltd. — Eates of Passage 
FOR 1898. 



\st Glass. 
Singapore to 
Malacca „ 
P. Dickson „ 
Port Swettenham to 
T. Anson to 
Penang „ 

Ind Class. 
Singapore to 
Malacca „ 
P. Dickson „ 
Port Swettenham to 
T. Anson „ 
Penang „ 

Upper Deck 
Singapore to 
Malacca „ 
P. Dickson „ 
Port Swettenham to 



1 

1 




1 

o 






i 


i 


$ 


$ 


■ 


1 


« 


— 


8 


12 


15 


16 


20 


8 


— 


6 


10 


12 


18 


12 


6 


— 


8 


11 


16 


15 


10 


8 


— 


10 


15 


16 


12 


11 


10 


— 


6 


20 


18 


16 


15 


5 


— 


— 


4 


6 


^ 


8 


10 


4 


— 


3 


5 


6 


9 





3 


— 


4 


'H 


8 


n 


5 


4 


— 


5 


n 


8 


6 


5i 


5 


— 


H 


10 


9 


8 


n 


2^ 


— 


_ 


2 


3 


4 


— 





2 


— 


1.50 


2 


— 


— 


— 


^ 


— 


1| 


- 


— 


4 


2 


H 


— 


— 


— 



Remarks 



Second Class passage per S.S. " Hye Leong " and " Lady Weld " only. 

Upper Deck passage per S.S. " Sappho " only. 

Leaving Singapore, S.S. "Penang "on Mondays, and S S. ''Malacca" on 
Wednesdays, connect with the S.S. " Lady Weld " for Penang, for passengers 
and cargo. 

For further particulars, see time-table. 

1st June, 1900. 



Federated Malay States. 151 



APPENDIX B. 



The following hints on planting, and estimates of cost of 
opening estates for different descriptions of produce, have 
been compiled for this handbook by English planters of 
experience now resident in the Federated Malay States. 
Estimate No. 2 provides money to meet the cost of survey 
fees, purchase money and rent, but it should be noted that 
in No. 1 nothing has been allowed for purchase of the land, 
and in No. 3 none of the expenses above mentioned have 
been included. These figures can, however, be gathered 
from estimate No. 2. 



Mints on Planting. 

The cultivation of such products as tea, coffee, cocoa, 
pepper, gambler, tapioca, sago, rice, rubber, ramie, sugar, 
coconuts, nutmegs, is well suited to the soil and climate of 
the Federated Malay States, and all of these have been 
successfully grown, some experimentally only. Both the 
initial expense and the cost of production will be found to 
vary materially according to the district and the style of land 
fixed on, for instance, the nearer to a town the greater in- 
ducements as a rule are there to your coolies who work on 
the estate, consequently labour all round is in all probability 
cheaper. 

G-ranted that the land chosen is virgin jungle, the first 
thing to do is to fix upon a suitable time of the year for the 
felling and clearing of it. For this it is generally con- 
sidered that there are two seasons, i.e., November and 
December — and April and May, which as nearly as possible 
represent the close of the rainy season, so that following 
these, good dry weather for burning may, as a rule, be relied 



152 Handbook of the 

on. Felling and clearing work is usually given out on 
contracts, the price varying from $2 to glO according to the 
nature of the work, and the position of the land. 

While this is going on it is usual to fix upon a site for the 
bungalow and coolie lines. The latter should be done very 
carefully, as so much depends upon the health of the coolies, 
to whom it is essential that there should be close at hand 
good water for both drinking and bathing. 

Should dry weather set in after the block of jungle has 
been felled for, say, a month to six weeks, it will be advisable 
to take the opportunity of burning (should there have been 
no rain registered for three or four days). 

This operation over, one should be enabled immediately to 
commence the work of lining and cutting holes. 

The stumps and burnt logs are not removed, as these by 
their decay furnish a considerable amount of plant food. 

If the product for which the land is being thus prepared 
happens to be coffee, coconuts, cocoa, pepper, nutmegs or 
rubber, it is necessary that a nursery full of young plants 
should now be ready to be taken out — thus it is taken for 
granted that the seed has been germinated some time pre- 
viously with a view to the plants being ready and of a suit- 
able age to stand the transplanting during the next favour- 
able spell of rainy weather. (Pepper is planted from cuttings 
taken from young vines, and to commence with require the 
greatest care.) 

Young plants of the above nature are considered to be 
hardy enough to stand the moving in about six months from 
the time the seed has commenced to germinate. 

If it is decided to keep the clearing entirely clean from 
weeds, this should be commenced and the work carried on 
and repeated at least once a month, when the cost will be, 
comparatively speaking, small. 

It is by no means considered always necessary to do this, 
and after planting many of the above products, attention is 
paid only to the weeding immediately round the tree, the 
rest being allowed to grow up in grass and cut down only 
when it has commenced to get to a troublesome height. All 
young plants require very careful shading. 



Fed prated Malay States. 153 

In places Avhere products such as rubber and nutmegs 
have been planted these have usually been tried in con- 
junction with some other plant, and it would appear desirable 
to follow this plan in view of the fact that by so utilising 
the land, returns from the other products may be expected 
for at least tliree or four years, during which time the larger 
trees are coming into bearing. Both the rubber and the 
nutmegs assume at their full height considerable proportions 
(the former, say, 60 feet at least), and are for this reason 
planted at a distance of 30 to 40 feet apart. In this manner 
50 trees can be planted to each acre. 

Results with regard to Para rubber have shown that a tree^ 
at six to seven years old can be tapped and a return at the 
rate of 10 oz. may be expected. This at the present price, 
viz., 3s. M. to 4s., would show an exceedingly good profit. 

The return from nutmegs is most variable, and at least 
50 per cent, more trees should be planted than those from 
which a return is estimated, as the proportion of male trees 
is very large as a rule, and these cannot be detected until 
nearly bearing time, when sometimes whole rows will be 
fouud useless as far as bearing fruit is concerned. A return, 
however, may be looked for in the sixth year. 

Large areas are under pepper cultivation and doing very 
well. G-reat care should be taken to ascertain that the 
cuttings are taken from healthy vines. 

Small holes only are necessary, l^hese are usually cut 
about nine feet apart. The vine is trained to grow up a post, 
which should be made of hard jungle wood, well limed and 
tarred at the bottom to resist the ravages of white ants. 
These permanent posts should be about 11 J feet long, thus 
giving about nine feet above ground. It is most important 
to ascertain whether the immediate neighbourhood can give 
a large enough supply of hard wood. If this be the case a 
good supply may be split and brought on to the clearing for 
four or five cents, whereas if they have to be carried any 
distance the cost may be increased to 15 cents, this making 
a difference of over ;^50 per acre. 

The vines should not be allowed to bear until they have 
reached the top of the posts, which, under favourable cir- 
cumstances, should be in about 3J years after planting — 
4 years for backward trees. Pepper thrives well in a soil 
that contains a large proportion of laterite stone, more so 



154 Handbook of the 

than on loose soil, but the working is more expensive on the 
former, on account of the extra cost of digging and cleaning 
the soil for turning down the vines. Grood pepper on 
suitable soil should yield at least 8 pikuls per acre, or 
even 10, after the vines have come into bearing. The cost 
of curing is comparatively small. Expensive buildings and 
machinery are not necessary, and the cost of bringing the 
vines into bearing should be about $180 per acre. This 
does not include bungalow and superintendence. 

The Federated Malay States are in many ways more 
suitable even than Ceylon and Southern India for successful 
cultivation, the reasons being that : — 

1st. There is a large area of forest land at favourable 
altitudes. 

2nd. A more equally distributed rainfall, thus ensuring 
a greater regularity and certainty of blossom. 

3rd Better transport facilities by road, rail, and water. 

4th. Better facilities for manuring with salt, lime, wood 
ashes, jungle soil, and cattle manure. 

5th. The suitability of the country for growing valuable 
fodder grasses, and thus the possibility of keep- 
ing stock both for sale and manuring purposes. 
Heavily timbered forest land in either Ceylon or 
India suitable for cultivation is not now plentiful, 
and as it is a very important consideration in the 
selection of land that in the selected acreage there 
should be sufficient area of forest to allow of a 
timber reserve, the selector has in the Federated 
States the greatest advantage. 

The rainfall in both Southern India and Ceylon is entirely 
regulated by the monsoons, and in consequence there is an 
annual drought which is prejudicial to successful blossoming. 
In the Federated States there are no regular monsoon 
influences, and the more regular rainfall is attributable to 
the close proximity of the high mountain ranges with the 
Straits of Malacca and the China Sea. 

The general features of the States afford facilities for cheap 
transport. The sea to the eastward and westward forms the 
main highway, and the feeders thereto are the navigable 
rivers, the numerous backwaters, the railway, and the 
magnificent system of main roads which permeate the States. 



Federated Malay States. 155 

In both Ceylon and India there is a heavy duty on salt, 
as a consequence both in Ceylon and India the cost of salt 
makes it prohibitory for manuring purposes. 

In the Federated States there is no duty on salt, the supply 
is abundant and cheap, therefore this valuable fertiliser can 
be largely used. 

The supply of limestone is practically inexhaustible, and 
as there is also a plentiful supply of firewood, lime can be 
easily and cheaply procured. 

From the forest reserve, to which I have previously 
referred, an ample supply of jungle soil and wood ashes can 
be obtained, both of which are valuable as manures. 

Lastly, the suitability of the country for the production of 
good fodder grasses is of the greatest importance. In Ceylon, 
and India there are no such facilities. 

In the Federated States a well organised and systematically 
conducted stock establishment should pay the planter in two 
ways : firstly, by profit on sale of stock ; and secondly, by 
the large supply of cattle manure which can be obtained at 
a minimum cost. 



156 



Handbook of the 



No. 1. 

Estimate for Opening 100 Acres (Coffee) to 
6th Year. 



Land— 


1 cts. 


$ cts. 


Survey fees on 320 acres jungle, say 


300 00 




Prospecting expenses 


250 00 




Land rent at 50 cts. per acre 


160 00 


710 00 


Nurseries — 




Estate to be planted 12'X10'=363 plants 
to 1 acre = 36,300 plants + 20^ for 
failures = 7,260. Say, total plants re- 
quired = 45,000. Includes felling, 
clearing, digging, cutting, attaps for 
shade, pricking out seeds 6"X6" 




500 00 


Felling and clearing — 






Felling and lopping at |9, burning and 
clearing up at |6 per acre = $15 


— 


1,500 00 


Lining — 






36,000 pegs at $1 per 1000 


36 00 




Lining at 7 5cts. per acre 


75 00 


111 00 


Holing — 




363 holes per acre, 18X18, at 1 ct. per 
hole 


__ 


363 00 


Filling in — 






363 holes with surface soil only at 1| cts. 






per hole, or, say, $4 50 cts. per acre 




450 00 


Carried forward 




$3,634 00 



Federated Malay States. 157 

Estimate for Opening 100 Acres (Coffee) to 6th Year. — cont. 



Brought forward 



Planting- 



Includes transport from nursery, cutting, 
attaps for shading, planting and shading 
in clearing at 2 cts. per plant, or say, 
$7 per acre 



Weeding — 



Jungle cleared in August, September, 
planting in November, requires 2 months, 
at $1 per acre 



Eoads and Drains — 

1 path, 3 feet wide all round, clearing 
includes clearing away fallen trees, 
130 chains at $1 50 cts., say 

Drains and roads where necessary, say . . . 



Tools, ^c— 



5 doz. chankols, 2 doz. axes, 2 doz. peng- 
kalis, 2 doz. billhooks, nursery tools . . . 

1 bullock cart 



Buildings- 



1 bungalow of hard wood posts, weather 
boarding walls. Nipah attap roof 
includes clearing site for same and 
kitchen attached ... 



A set of lines (temporary) for 60 coolies. 



arried forward 



$ cts. 



$ cts. 
,634 00 



700 00 



200 00 



11 



200 00 




200 00 






400 00 


250 00 


30 00 






280 00 


600 00 


120 00 






720 00 




— 


$5,934 00 



158 Sandhook of the 

Estimate for Opening 100 Acres (Coffee) to 6th Year — cont. 





$ cts. 


$ cts. 


Brought forward 


— 


5,934 00 


Coiitingeneies — 






1 house coolie at 1 9 per month 


108 00 




Stationery, stamps, telegrams, &c 


150 00 




Medicines, &c., for coolies 


100 00 




Unforeseen contingencies 


100 00 


^'is no 


Transport — 




too VK) 


1 Tapal coolie for fetching letters, &c., at 
^9 


— 


108 00 


Superintendence — 






1 European Superintendent at $150 


— 


1,800 00 


Stock— 






1 pair bullocks 


— 


170 00 



Total 



$8,470 00 



Federated Malay States. 
2nd Year. 



159 



Land— 


^ cts. 


% cts. 


One year's rent at 50 cts. per acre 


— 


160 00 


Superintendence — 






European Superintendent at $150 


— 


1,800 00 


Weeding — 






100 acres at PO per month 


— 


960 00 


Supplying — 






Filling in any vacancies in clearing with 
surplus plants from nurseries at 
$1 20 cts. per acre 


— 


120 00 


Handling — 






Clearing off surplus suckers where neces- 
sary 


— 


50 00 


Roads and Drains — 






Upkeep of all roads and drains, say 75 cts. 
per acre 


— 


75 00 


Buildings — 






Upkeep of bungalow and coolie lines 


— 


50 00 


Contingencies — • 






As in the first year 


— 


458 00 


Tools— 






New mamolies and axes 


— 


50 00 


Transport — 






Tapal coolies at 1 9 


— 


108 00 


-S^oc^— 






One carman at §9 .. 


108 00 


— 


Shoeing bullocks and cattle meal 


50 00 


158 00 




— 


Total 


p,989 00 



160 



Handbook of the 
3rd Year. 



Land — 


^cts. 


1 cts. 


Rent at 50 els. per acre 


— 


160 00 


Superintendence — 






Superintendent at ^150 per month 


— 


1,800 00 


Weeding — 






100 acres at $75 per month 


— 


900 00 


Fruning and Handling — 






100 acres at p.25 


— 


125 00 


Supplying — 






Say 


— 


50 00 


Eoads and Brains — 






General upkeep 


— 


75 00 


Buildings — 

General upkeep 


— 


75 00 


Contingencies — 






As in the previous year 


— 


458 00 


Tools— 






1 doz. pruning knives, |10 ; extras, |15 ... 


— 


25 00 


Transport — 






1 Tapal coolie at $9 


— 


108 00 


Stock— ^ 






lCartmanat|9 


108 00 


— 


Shoeing bullocks and cattle meal 


50 00 


158 00 




— 




Total 


p,934 00 



Federated Malay States. 
4th Year. 



161 



Current Expenditure. 






Land — 


1 cts. 


1 cts. 


Rent at 50 cts. per acre 


— 


160 00 


Superintendence — 






As in previous year 


— 


1,800 00 


Weeding— 






As in last year at $75 


— 


900 00 


Fruning — 






100 acres at p per acre 


— 


400 00 


Roads and Brains — 






Upkeeps 


— 


75 00 


ConHngencies — 






1 House coolie at $9 


108 00 




Stationery, &c. 


150 00 




Medicines, &c., for coolies 


150 00 




Unforeseen contingencies 


150 00 








558 00 


Transport — 






Tapal coolie at |9 


— 


108 00 


Buildings — 






1 Permanent set of lines for 75 coolies 


350 00 




1 Brick well 


75 00 




Upkeeps 


50 00 




... 




475 00 


Carried forward 


— 


$4,476 00 



162 



Handbook of the 
4th Year — continued. 



CuRHENT ExPENDiTDBE — continued. 
Brouffht forward 



Tools- 



Tools for curing sacks for picking, &c. 

Ft eking — 

200 pikuls at $3 20 cts. per pikul 

Curing — 

200 pikuls at $2 per pikul 

Stock— 

As last year ... 

Transport of Crop — 

200 pikuls at $1 

Duty, say 40 cts. 

Selling expenses, commission, «&;c., say 
65 cts. per pikul 

Capital Expenditure. 

1 Coffee store and pulping house, 30 feet 
by 30 ft. : — Brick pillars and cisterns ; 
galvanised iron roof ; upper fl,oor of 
2 in. by 2 in. reepers ; lower storey 
surrounded by trellis, upper storey 
weather boarding ; includes excavation 
for site 

3,000 superficial feet of concrete barbecue 
at 15 cts. per foot ... 

1 Pulper 



1 Smout's peeler, 18 ft. barrel 





300 00 




1-6 H.P. engine 





1,500 00 




Belting, oil, shafting &c. 


:: : 


500 00 


5,250 00 


Total 


|11,484 00 



cts. 



200 00 
80 OO 

130 00 



2,000 00 

450 00 
500 00 



I cts. 
4,476 00 

150 00 

640 00 

400 00 

158 00 



410 00 



Federated Malay States. 



163 



5th Year. 



Zand — Rent at 50 cts. 
Superintendence, at 1 150 ... 
Weeding, at §70 

Pruning, at $6 ... 

Roads and Drains — Upkeeps 

Contingencies 

Transport ... 

Tools 

Buildings — Upkeeps 

Picking — 400 pikuls at |3 per pikul 

Gurmg — 400 pikuls at §1 75cts. ... 



Transport of Crop — 

Commission, &c., at §2 per pikul ... 



Stock (as before) ... ... 

Manuring where necessary, thatching, &c. 



Total 



cts. 



$ ( 


3ts. 


160 


00 


1,800 


00 


840 


00 


600 


00 


50 


00 


600 


00 


108 


00 


100 


00 


50 


00 


1,200 


00 



700 00 

800 00 

158 00 

250 00 

§7,416 00 



164 



Handbook of the 
6th Year. 



Land- — Eent at 50 cts. ... 

Superintendence 

Weeding, qX %Q6 

Fruninff, at |6 

Roads and Drains 

Contingencies 
Transport, say |20... 

Tools 

Buildings ... 

Picking — 500 pikuls at $3 

Curing — 500 pikuls at §1 75cts.... ... 

Transport Crop — Commission, &c. 

Stock ._ 

Manuring all Estate, at a cost of $10 per acre 

Total 



$ cts. 



I cts 
160 00 

1,800 00 

780 00 

600 00 

50 00 

600 00 

240 00 

75 00 

50 00 




Federated Malay States. 



165 



Summary. 



Expenditure — 


$ cts. 


1 cts. 


1st Year 


— 


8,470 00 


2nd „ 


— 


3,989 00 


3rd „ 


— 


3,934 00 


4th „ 


— 


11,484 00 


5th „ 


— 


7,416 00 


6th „ 


— 


8,888 00 


Total 


— 


$44,181 00 


Receipts — 






4th Year, 200 pkls. of Coffee at p5 per pkl. 


— 


5,000 00 


5th „ 400 „ 


— 


10,000 00 


6th „ 500 „ 


— 


12,500 00 


Total 


— 


$27,500 00 



Notes on Estimate No. 1. 

This estimate is based on the supposition that the nurseries 
will be commenced in January, when it is dry. The seasons 
are, — January, February, dry ; March, April, May, wet ; 
June, July, August and September, dry ; October, November, 
and part December, wet. 

The nurseries should be felled and burned off by middle 
of February, and all seedlings should be put out in nursery 
from the germinating beds before the 1st April. Felling 
jungle should commence in the middle of May and finished 
by beginning of July. Burn off in middle of September, and 
from then till beginning of November, lining, holing, and 
filling is carried on ready for planting, should all be finished 
by the end of December. It is important that the plants 
should be put out during wet weather. But still if put out 
with the transplanters and well shaded and weU watered 
before being taken from the nursery it does not matter so 
much. 



166 



Handbool- of the 



As the clearing is only holed and filled in October there 
are only two months' weeding in the first year. A great deal 
depends on the burn off. A good burn means clearing up 
costing only $1 to $1.50 per acre. Again, if Sakei (aboriginal) 
labour for felling can be procured, felling will only cost 
$6 to $7 an acre. The estimate is made out to allow for 
Malay labour and a bad bui'n, and the first year weeding at 
^1 per acre per month is for the same reason. Holing is 
done by contract. Filling in is not, as only the top surface 
soil can be used. The road expenditure would consist of 
clearing a path and cutting a drain all round the clearing to 
prevent any seeds, &c., being carried into the clearing by 
heavy rain and becoming weeds. 

The general labour would be Tamil ; put the daily rate of 
pay at 30 cents. 

Glerminating beds should be made when the nurseries are 
felled, six weeks being the general time of seed to germinate 



No. 2. 



Estimate for Opening-tjp and Planting 500 Acres of 
Coconuts in Selangor (Coast District). 



First Year. 


§ cts. 


Survey §500, quit rent $250, premium §500 ... 





1,250 00 


Felling and clearing 






4,000 00 


Lining and holing 






750 00 


Cost of seed 






2,000 00 


Planting and fencing 






2,000 00 


Weeding 






3,000 00 


Roads and drains 






5,000 00 


Coolie lines and tools 






350 00 


Bungalow 






600 00 


Superintendence 


• 




3,000 00 


Doctor §100, medicine and stationery §100 






200 00 


Contingencies 




•• 


150 GO 


Carried forward 


§22,300 00 





Federated Malay States. 


167 




No. 2 — continued. 








$ cts. 




Brought forward 


22,300 00 


Second Year's E.^penditure 


7,500 00 


Third „ 


„ 


6,000 00 


Fourth „ 


„ 


5,000 00 


Fifth 


„ 


7,000 00 


Sixth 


„ 


8,000 00 


Seventh „ 


„ 


6,500 00 


Eighth „ 





7,000 GO 




Total 


$69,300 00 



In the Sixth Year a return of 20 nuts (at 2 cents) per tree 
may be looked for. 

In the Seventh Year a return of 30 nuts (at 2 cents) per tree 
may be looked for. 

In the Eighth Year a return of 50 nuts (at 2 cents) per tree 
may be looked for. 

Thus, Total Expenditure to end of Eighth Year 

Crop Eeturns 



p9,000 00 
§64,000 00 



§5,000 GO 



In some coast districts the natives count on a return during the fifth 
year from planting, but it is not generally considered safe to estimate any- 
thing until the sixth year. 



168 



Handbook of the 
No. 3. 



Estimate to Open 500 Acres with Para Eubber, doing 
250 Acres per Annum. 



Felling and dealing 250 acres at $10 per acre 

Lining 250 acres at §2 per acre 

Holing and filling 250 acres at $5 per acre 

Nurseries 

Seed for same, planting 14" x 14" — 222 per acre, say 250 per 
acre — 187,500 seeds at 1 ct. each 

Planting and shading at $ 3 per acre 

Eoads and drains, 250 acres at $ 1 per acre 

Weeding 250 acres for 6 months at £>\ per acre per month ... 

Supervision at $300 per month. ... 

Buildings. — House for superintendent ... ... ...$1,000 

House for assistant ... ... ... ... 500 

House for overseer ... ... ... ... 100 



Coolie Lines .. . 
Tools 

Contingencies, Hospital, &c. 

Second Year :— 

Opening 250 acres, as above $18,500 

Less buildings $1,500 

Coolie lines ... ... ... 500 



Upkeep on first 250 acres at $30 

Third year, upkeep on 500 acres at $30 per acre 
Fourth year ,. 500 „ „ $30 „ 

Fifth year „ 500 „ „ $30 „ 

Total Cost to Fifth Year ... 



2,000 = 16,500 
... 7,500 



$ cts. 
2,500 00 

600 00 

1,250 00 

400 00 

1,875 00 
750 00 
2,500 00 
1,500 00 
3,600 00 



1,600 00 
500 00 
500 00 

1,025 00 



$18,500 00 



24,000 00 

15,000 00 

15,000 00 

15,000 00 



$87,500 00 



Federated Malay States. 



169 



Estimate of Returns from Para Rubber. 

I believe a good return of at least J lb. per tree could be 
got from five year old trees, but I do not calculate on any- 
thing until the sixth year, when I feel certain that rubber 
planted on good alluvial land will yield at least 1 lb. per tree. 
Planting 14'' X 14'', there should be 222 trees per acre, but 
calculate only on 200 trees per acre. 



Returns. 



Sixth Year. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


250 acres or 50,000 at 1 lb. per tree ... 











50,000 lbs. at 3s. per lb 


Stg. 


7,500 








Seventh Year. 










250 acres at 1 lb. per tree 


£ 7,500 








250 „ 2 lbs. „ 


15,000 












22,500 












Eighth Year. 










500 acres at 2 lbs. per tree 


Stg. & 


30,000 










60,000 









This estimate of returns up to the eighth year may look 
too good, but if I were to calculate on returns given to me by 
most reliable men in Selangor and Sungei Ujong, these 
returns would still more astonish readers if I went on up to 
the twelfth year. I have given my estimate of all cost of 
opening up to the fifth year to be $87,500. 



170 Handbook of the Federated Malay States. 



After the 5th Year the Cost will be per Annum :- 



6th Year. 


$ cts. 


§ cts. 


500 acres at §30 per acre 


— 


15,000 00 


Good house for Superintendent 


— 


3,500 00 


„ „ „ Assistant 


— 


1,500 00 


„ „ „ Overseer 


— 


500 00 


New coolie lines 


— 


1,000 00 


Store and sheds 


— 


5,000 00 


Collecting and curing 50,000 lbs. of rubber at 
20cts. perlb 


— 


10,000 00 


7th Year. 




36,500 00 


500 acres at pO per-acre 


15,000 00 




Collecting and curing 150,000 lbs. rubber at 
20 cts. per lb 


30,000 00 


45,000 00 


8th Year. 




500 acres at pO per acre , 


15,000 00 




Collecting and curing 200,000 lbs. of rubber at 
20 cts. per lb 


40,000 00 


55,000 00 
$136,500 00 


Total 




Ob £> Sterling 


— 


£13,650 



! ii>S'27 



